Hidden fastener unit and related method of use

ABSTRACT

A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements extending from a portion of the spacer block. The board engagement elements can clamp the board, between an upper and/or lower surface of the board and a groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fastener unit configured to fastenworkpieces, such as boards, to support structures, such as joists, andmore particularly to a fastener unit that engages a groove in the sideof a board to secure the board to a support structure.

There are a variety of structures, such as decks, platforms andflooring, that include horizontal floors supported by an underlyingsupport structure. The structures typically include boards that areplaced side-by-side one another. The boards typically are arranged toextend cross support structures, such as joists, disposed under theboards at an angle, sometimes at a right angle. The boards usually arefastened to the joists using fasteners, such as nails or screws. Thenails or screws can frequently become discolored over time, or can workthemselves loose from the board and project upward from the boardsurface. Not only are these results aesthetically displeasing, they canpresent safety hazards.

Some manufacturers have developed hidden fastener systems that fitloosely within grooves of adjacent boards. These hidden fastenerstypically include a biscuit-shaped upper plate having two horizontalflanges that fit into the grooves defined by the sides of adjacent deckboards, a single center hole through which a fastener extends to secureto the underlying joist, and a base that extends downward from the upperplate to an underlying joist. While the horizontal flanges can engagethe grooves, these elements typically do not engage those groovesforcibly enough to tack the boards to the underlying joist and preventthem from moving during expansion and contraction under changingtemperatures. These systems typically also require a user to manuallyhold the plate in alignment with one or more grooves of the boards asthe fastener is advanced, which can be cumbersome. Depending on theheight of the base and the distance of the groove from the board lowersurface, sometimes these items can be mismatched so that the flanges donot fit well in or align with the grooves. In addition, the flanges areof a fixed thickness so that if that thickness is mismatched relative toa groove, the plate cannot fit in the groove, let alone secure the boardto the underlying joist. Further, where a support structure includes adouble or triple joist, with two or more joists positioned immediatelyadjacent one another, the foregoing fastener systems might not beproperly sized to conceal those joists or fit within the associatedconfined spaces.

Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the field of fastenerunits that are configured to secure grooved boards to underlying supportstructures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fastener unit and related method to secure a board to a support isprovided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip elementextending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage agroove of the board, and at least one board engagement element extendingfrom the spacer block, configured to secure the spacer block adjacentthe groove to establish a gap between the board and another board.

In one embodiment, the board engagement element can be a resilientcompression element that is vertically compressible so that portions ofit can be compressed from an open mode to a compressed mode. In thecompressed mode, the board engagement element is sized and dimensionedsmaller than a width of the groove so that the element can fit withinthe groove. After placement in the groove, the portions can expandwithin the groove to forcibly engage the groove, thereby securing theresilient compression element and the joined spacer block adjacent thegroove and a side surface of the board.

In a further embodiment, the board engagement element is a resilientcompression element that extends laterally from the spacer body, and inthe same direction as a portion of the grip element. Optionally, thegrip element and resilient compression element can extend rearwardly,from a rearward face of the spacer body, an equal amount or distance.Further optionally, the resilient compression element can include afront edge that does not extend forwardly, from a forward face of thespacer body, while the grip element can extend forwardly anotherdistance from the forward face of the spacer body.

In another embodiment, the spacer body is of a thickness extending froma forward face and a rearward face. The thickness can be optionally lessthan 0.200 inches, further optionally less than 0.250 inches, and evenfurther optionally less than 0.500 inches to provide a corresponding gapbetween adjacent boards.

In still another embodiment, the resilient compression element includesfirst and second portions, optionally in the form of wings, plates,rounded sections, ellipsoids, polygonal elements, and the like, any ofwhich can be referred to as wings herein, that function similar toresilient springs. These portions can be pinched toward one another, toconvert the resilient compression element from an open mode to acompressed mode. In the compressed mode, the portions can be located inthe groove of the board, which optionally can be ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch wideor other dimensions depending on the application. When the portions arereleased, they can forcibly engage the groove to hold the fastener unitcentered in the groove.

In even another embodiment, the board engagement element can be joinedwith the spacer body at a fracturable joint. This fracturable joint caninclude a zone of weakness, such as a thinned region, a region withperforations or holes, an area with a brittle material, or some otherweakening portion so that a user can manually break off the element fromthe spacer body and fit the fastener unit in a particular location, forexample, a confined space, or so that the element or other parts of thefastener unit can otherwise break off, fall off, fragment, becomedestroyed separate, dissociate from, become removed from or otherwisemove away from other components, for example, upon advancement of afastener or other action taken on the fastener unit.

In yet another embodiment, the grip element can be in the form of achannel. Optionally, the channel can be a c-channel that is turnedupside down so that its opening faces downward. Associated protrusionsof the channel can be configured to engage a lower interior surface ofthe board groove and effectively bite into that surface when thefastener is tightened down, to pull the grip element and its protrusionsinto that surface. In turn, this provides enhanced securement of theboard to the underlying support structure, such as a joist.

In a further embodiment, the fastener unit can be equipped with anadditional resilient compression element, projecting from the spacerbody on opposite lateral sides of the spacer body. The first and secondresilient compression elements can cooperate to forcibly hold the spacerbody and fastener unit in place adjacent the groove during installationof the fastener. In turn, because the unit is self-supported, a user canuse both hands to manipulate a tool, such as a power drill, to installthe fastener. Also, because the unit is self-supported, a user can placemultiple fastener units, place an adjacent board, and later come back tofasten down one or more boards with the fastener units.

In still a further embodiment, the spacer body defines a fastener holethat can include an upper portion and a lower portion. These upper andlower portions can have different diameters or dimensions to accommodatedifferent screw types. In some cases the lower portion can include adiameter that is less than a diameter of the upper portion so that thetip of the screw can fit within the lower portion, while threads abovethat tip can fit within the upper portion. Optionally, the screw can bepartially threaded into engagement with the spacer body, and inparticular the interior surfaces of a first fastener hole defined by thespacer body.

In still yet a further embodiment, the grip element can be constructedfrom a first material, such as a metal and/or composite, while thespacer body, resilient compression element and other features can beconstructed from a polymeric material. The polymeric material can beovermolded to the grip element to secure the grip element thereto, withthe grip element at least partially entrapped in the spacer body.

In even a further embodiment, a fastener unit can include a spacer bodydefining a first fastener hole having first and second differentinternal dimensions, a threaded fastener supported by the spacer bodywithin the first fastener hole, a grip element joined with the spacerbody and configured to fit within and engage a groove of a board, andfirst and second joist legs extending downward from the spacer body andconfigured to straddle and clampingly engage sides of an underlyingjoist.

In yet a further embodiment, the fastener unit can be constructed sothat one or more joist legs are joined with the spacer body at afracturable joint so that the leg can be selectively manually removed,depending on the placement of the fastener unit relative to one or morejoists or within other confining spaces.

In still yet a further embodiment, the fastener unit can include aspacer block and a grip element disposed transversely relative to thespacer block, extending from forward and rearward surfaces of the spacerblock. A first joist leg can extend from a first lateral side of thespacer block and a second joist leg can extend from a second lateralside of the spacer block. The first and second joist legs extendoutwardly and downwardly from the spacer block. One or both of the joistlegs includes a stabilizer bar extending from the joist leg apredetermined distance. The stabilizer bar can be mounted below thespacer block and selectively positioned so that it can engage a bottomsurface and/or side surface of a board, below a groove of the board,placed adjacent the fastener unit. In combination, the stabilizer bar,joist legs and/or the spacer body can engage one or more boards,adjacent which the spacer unit is placed, in multiple locations tothereby provide multiple points of contact with the spacer unit andthose boards, and thereby stabilize the fastener unit in a particularorientation, optionally holding the fastener associated with the spacerunit in an upright, vertical orientation, ready for engagement by atool.

In even a further embodiment, the fastener unit can include a spacerblock and a grip element disposed transversely relative to the spacerblock, extending from forward and rearward surfaces of the spacer block.A first joist leg can extend from a first lateral side of the spacerblock and a second joist leg can extend from a second lateral side ofthe spacer block. The first and second joist legs extend outwardly anddownwardly from the spacer block. The grip element can include one ormore pressure distribution feet at opposing ends of the grip element.When a fastener of the unit is tightened down, such a pressuredistribution foot can ensure most of the force is distributed at one ormore of the opposing ends of the grip element, rather than near thespacer body. With certain types of grooved boards having a chamfer underthe groove along a board bottom surface, this force distribution, deepwithin the groove, can impair or prevent tipping of the board caused bythe tightening down of the fastener unit.

In yet another embodiment, the fastener unit can include a spacer blockand a grip element disposed transversely relative to the spacer block,extending from forward and rearward surfaces of the spacer block. Afirst joist leg can extend from a first lateral side of the spacer blockand a second joist leg can extend from a second lateral side of thespacer block. The first and second joist legs extend outwardly anddownwardly from the spacer block. The spacer block can be a timingspacer block that is of a predetermined height set so that the spacerblock engages an underlying joist or other support, optionally while afastener of the unit is being tightened down to draw the fastener unittoward the joist or other support. With this timing spacer block, thefastener unit does not engage the grip element against the interiorsurfaces of the groove in such a way so as to pull the groove downwardwith too much force, which may cause tipping of the board in somecircumstances.

In another embodiment, the fastener unit can include a spacer blockconfigured to at least partially receive a fastener, the spacer blockhaving a thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between a firstboard and a second adjacent board, the spacer block defining a recess; agrip element disposed in the recess and projecting beyond the thicknessof the spacer block, the grip element configured to at least partiallyreceive the fastener, the grip element configured to engage a firstgroove defined by the first board, the grip element having at least onedownwardly facing projection, the grip element having a grip uppersurface; and a board engagement element configured to engage a portionof the first board, distal from the first groove, to secure the spacerblock adjacent a first side surface of the first board before a fasteneris advanced relative to the spacer block and the grip element.

In still another embodiment, the board engagement element is operable ina clamping mode in which the board engagement element engages an uppersurface of the first board, distal from the groove. Simultaneously, thegrip upper surface can engage a groove upper wall so as to secure thefastener unit adjacent the first side surface of the board.

In yet another embodiment, the first board engagement element includes aresilient arm projecting away from a first platform and downward. Theresilient arm can engage the upper surface and exert a clamping force onthe board in cooperation with the grip element.

In even another embodiment, the board engagement element can include afirst platform. One or more legs can extend downwardly from the firstplatform. These legs can each extend adjacent the spacer block and caneach be configured to hold the first platform at a preselected distancefrom the grip element.

In even still another embodiment, the spacer block can define a firstleg track adjacent the first side surface of the spacer block and asecond leg track adjacent the second side surface of the spacer block.One leg can frictionally engage the first leg track to hold the firstplatform at the preselected distance from the grip element, and anotherleg can frictionally engages the second leg track to hold the firstplatform at the preselected distance from the grip element. The firstand second legs can be biased toward one another to exert the frictionon the spacer body.

In even yet another embodiment, the first and second legs can bemovable, for example, slidable, relative to the first and second trackrespectively to adjust the preselected distance, and thereby operate theboard engagement element in a clamping mode in which the portion of thefirst board is clamped between the first platform and the grip element.

In a further embodiment, the fastener unit can include a fastenerextending through the spacer block and the grip element. The fastenercan include threads on a shaft. The board engagement element can be arotatable wheel mounted on the shaft. For example, the element caninclude a first platform and can be rotatably threaded on the shaft. Theboard engagement element can be operable in a clamping mode in which thefirst platform is rotatable about the shaft toward the grip element tothereby clamp the portion of a board between the first platform and thegrip element, thereby securing the fastener unit adjacent a side surfaceof that board.

In still a further embodiment, the board engagement element can beoperable in a clamping mode in which the board engagement elementengages a lower surface of the first board, distal from the groove.Simultaneously, the downwardly facing projection can engage a groovelower wall so as to secure the fastener unit adjacent the first sidesurface of the board.

In yet a further embodiment, the board engagement element can be joinedwith the spacer block via first and second spring legs extendingdownward from a first platform, below the grip element. The boardengagement element can be a plate disposed below the spacer block. Theplate can be configured to engage a lower surface of the board, whilethe grip element engages the groove, to secure the spacer block adjacentthe first side surface of the first board.

In even a further embodiment, the plate can be pulled away from the gripelement so the board engagement element is in an expanded mode while thefastener unit is installed on the board, with the grip element in thegroove and the plate below the groove. The plate can be released, inwhich case the legs bias the plate back toward the grip element so theboard engagement element and fastener unit in general convert to aclamping mode to clamp the part of the board between the groove and thelower surface between the grip element and the plate.

In another, further embodiment, the board engagement element can includea first leg that extends downward from the spacer body to a first legend. A first foot can extend from the first leg end and generallyparallel to the grip element. The first foot can engage the lowersurface of the board while the grip element engages the groove so thefirst foot and grip element cooperate to urge the spacer block and thefastener toward the first side surface of the first board, therebysecuring the spacer block adjacent the first side surface of the firstboard.

In still another, further embodiment, the board engagement element canbe joined with the spacer block such that the board engagement elementcan be selectively disassociated from the spacer block. As used herein,when a component is disassociated from another component, such as thespacer block, other elements or the fastener unit, that component orpieces thereof can break off, fall off, fragment, become destroyed,separate, dissociate from, become removed from or otherwise move awayfrom the other component, the spacer block or the fastener unit.

In yet another, further embodiment, the dissociated component or piecesof it can fall, project, or otherwise move away from the grip elementand spacer body upon sufficient advancement of the fastener. Thecomponent or pieces can be constructed from biodegradable material, suchas fibers, cellulose, wood, starch, amylose, UV unstable polymers, andthe like. When subjected to moisture, water, heat, UV rays or the like,the component or pieces can break down and disintegrate or turn fromsolid to liquid or a gel. In turn, the fastener units can be usedwithout the disassociated parts having to be picked up or retrieved by auser because they simply biodegrade in the environment.

In still another, further embodiment, the disassociated component orpieces can be colored brightly so they can be easily perceived by a userand picked up or retrieved, then dispensed of properly.

The current embodiments of the fastener unit and related methods of useprovide benefits in hidden fasteners that previously have beenunachievable. For example, where the fastener unit includes amulti-dimensioned fastener hole defined by the spacer body, the spacerbody can be configured to hold a fastener therein, yet not split orbecome damaged when the fastener is advanced through the spacer body.Where the fastener includes one or more fracturable joints between thespacer body and one or more of the board engagement elements, thoseelements can be easily removed and discarded from the unit to fit aparticular joist combination or confined space, or can becomedisassociated from the remainder of the fastener unit after performing aparticular function, such as clamping or securing the fastener unit to aboard. Where the unit includes the board engagement element, such as aresilient compression element, that element can secure and hold thefastener unit in place adjacent the groove, without the need foradditional hands to hold the unit. This can enable a user to placemultiple fastener units along a board groove, install another boardadjacent those units, and then come back and secure all the fastenerunits so that the boards are held in a fixed manner relative to theunderlying support structure. Where the grip element is included havingone or more downward protrusions or cleats, those elements can forciblyengage the groove to prevent the board from creeping or moving duringexpansion and contraction thereof during and under differenttemperatures. Where the spacer body is of diminished thickness, theentire fastener unit can be well concealed between adjacent boards, yetprovide firm securement of those boards to underlying support structure,and provide a gap large enough to accommodate a fastener head passingbetween the boards. Where the board engagement element cooperates with agrip element, the fastener unit can be secured adjacent a side surfaceof a board, engaging either the upper surface of the board or the lowersurface of the board in a clamping mode of the fastener unit and boardengagement element. Further, where the board engagement element is ableto be disassociated from the spacer body and remainder of the fastenerunit, that component can be used to temporarily hold the fastener unitin ways, locations and orientations previously unattainable.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the descriptionof the current embodiment and the drawings.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the details ofoperation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodimentsand of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the invention to any specific order or number of components.Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from thescope of the invention any additional steps or components that might becombined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a current embodiment of the fastenerunit with a fastener associated with the unit;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the fastener unit about to beinstalled in a first groove of a first board;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the fastener unit with the resilientcompression elements being converted from an open mode to a compressionmode;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the resilient compression elementsinstalled in a groove and holding the fastener unit adjacent the board;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the fastener unit installed withingrooves of adjacent boards and establishing a gap with a spacer bodybetween those adjacent boards;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of thefastener unit;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the first alternative embodiment of thefastener unit;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of thefastener unit being installed relative to a groove of a board and anunderlying support;

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the first alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit installed within grooves of adjacent boards andestablishing a gap with a spacer body between those adjacent boards;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including one or more stabilizer bars;

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit installed with a grip element in groups of adjacentboards, and with the one or more stabilizer bars engaging a lowersurface of a board to provide further stabilization of the fastener unit

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including a grip element with one or more pressure feetand a timing spacer block;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the third alternative embodiment of thefastener unit installed on an underlying joist and at least partiallyinstalled in a groove of a board;

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the third alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit installed within grooves of a boards and the fastenerinstalled to apply force well within the grooves via the one or morepressure feet, and the timing spacer block bottomed out against theunderlying joist;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including a one piece unit with an upper platform clampand opposing legs;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the fourth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is moved for installation into a groove andconverted to an expanded mode;

FIG. 19 is a side view therefor as the fastener unit is moved over anupper surface of a board to clamp the board between the upper surfaceand the groove below the upper surface in a clamping mode;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the fourth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is installed on the board in a clamping mode;

FIG. 21 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 22 is a side view thereof in the clamping mode to clamp to theboard and hold the fastener unit between adjacent boards while setting agap between those boards;

FIG. 23 is a side view of thereof with a fastener installed in anunderlying joist and the fastener unit holding down the adjacent boardsrelative to the joist, with the upper platform clamp and legsdisassociated from the fastener unit;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including a two piece unit with an upper platform clampand opposing friction legs;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the fifth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is moved for installation into a groove and over anupper surface of a board in an expanded mode;

FIG. 26 is a front view of the fifth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is about to transition from an expanded mode to aclamping mode;

FIG. 27 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 28 is a side view thereof with the fastener unit converted to aclamping mode;

FIG. 29 is a side view thereof with the fastener unit in the clampingmode to clamp the board and hold the fastener unit between adjacentboards while setting a gap between those boards;

FIG. 30 is a side view thereof with a fastener installed in anunderlying joist and the fastener unit holding down the adjacent boardsrelative to the joist, with the upper platform clamp and legsdisassociated from the fastener unit;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a sixth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including a two piece unit with an upper platform clampand opposing friction legs;

FIG. 32 is a side view of the sixth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is moved for installation into a groove and over anupper surface of a board in an expanded mode;

FIG. 33 is a front view of the sixth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is about to transition from an expanded mode to aclamping mode;

FIG. 34 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 35 is a side view of thereof with the fastener unit transitioned toa clamping mode to clamp the board and holding the fastener unit betweenadjacent boards while setting a gap between those boards;

FIG. 36 is a side view of thereof with a fastener installed in anunderlying joist and the fastener unit holding down the adjacent boardsrelative to the joist, with the upper platform clamp and legsdisassociated from the fastener unit;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a seventh alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including an upper wheel clamp;

FIG. 38 is a side view of the seventh alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is moved for installation into a groove and over anupper surface of a board in an expanded mode;

FIG. 39 is a front view of the seventh alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is about to transition from an expanded mode to aclamping mode;

FIG. 40 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 41 is a side view of the seventh alternative embodiment of thefastener unit transitioned to a clamping mode to clamp the board andhold the fastener unit between adjacent boards while setting a gapbetween those boards;

FIG. 42 is a side view of the seventh alternative embodiment of thefastener unit with a fastener installed in an underlying joist and thefastener unit holding down the adjacent boards relative to the joist,with the upper wheel clamp being disassociated from the fastener unit;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a eighth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including opposing leaf springs and a lower engagementplate;

FIG. 44 is a side view of the eighth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is slid for installation between a board and a joistin an expanded mode;

FIG. 45 is a front view of the eighth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is about to transition from an expanded mode to aclamping mode;

FIG. 46 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 47 is a side view thereof with the fastener unit transitioned to aclamping mode to clamp the board and hold the fastener unit betweenadjacent boards while setting a gap between those boards;

FIG. 48 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 49 is a side view thereof with a fastener installed in anunderlying joist and the fastener unit holding down the adjacent boardsrelative to the joist;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a ninth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including lower engagement feet;

FIG. 51 is a side view of the ninth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as it is slid for installation under a board adjacent ajoist;

FIG. 52 is a front view of the ninth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit as installed under a board adjacent a joist, clamping theboard between a gripping element and feet in a clamping mode;

FIG. 53 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 54 is a side view of the ninth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit transitioned to a clamping mode to clamp the board andhold the fastener unit between adjacent boards while setting a gapbetween those boards; and

FIG. 55 is a side view of the ninth alternative embodiment of thefastener unit with a fastener installed in an underlying joist and thefastener unit holding down the adjacent boards relative to the joist.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

A current embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7,and generally designated 10. The fastener unit 10 can generally includea spacer body 20, a grip element 30 protruding forwardly and rearwardlyfrom the spacer block, also referred to as a spacer body herein, and oneor more board engagement elements, such as a first resilient compressionelement 41 and a second resilient compression element 42. Thesecompression elements can be joined with the spacer body optionally viarespective fracturable joints 48 and 49. A fastener 90 can be at leastpartially disposed through the spacer body 20 and/or the grip element 30when the unit is in an uninstalled state as shown in FIG. 1.

The current embodiments of the fastener unit 10 are well suited for avariety of building and construction projects, such as commercial,residential and other construction projects. The fastener units,however, can be modified for use in other applications, such asautomotive, marine, industrial and/or consumer products. As describedherein, the fastener units can be used in the application of groovedboards or lap boards that are fastened to an underlying supportstructure. The boards can be constructed from wood, plastic, composites,metal, ceramic, tile, masonry or other materials depending on theapplication.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the boards 101, 102 can include respectivegrooves 103 and 104. These grooves can include a groove depth GD ofoptionally 1/16 inch, further optionally ⅛ inch, even further optionally¼ inch, yet further optionally ½ inch or other depths depending on theparticular application. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the groove can bebounded by upper 105 and lower 107 lobes or projections that transitionto the upper and lower surfaces of the board 101. Although shown as acontinuous groove, each of the respective grooves 103 and 104 can beintermittent and/or discontinuous, depending on the particularapplication and board construction. Each groove 103 also can include alower wall 109L, a rearward wall 109R and an upper wall 109U. Thesewalls can be radiused and can transition smoothly or cleanly to oneanother as shown. Alternatively, they can be joined at right angles,depending on the application.

The fastener unit 10 of the current embodiment will be describedgenerally in connection with joining boards 101, 102 to an underlyingjoist 106, where the deck boards lay across an upper surface 106U of thejoist. The joist 106 of course can be any support structure or elementand can be constructed from any type of material, such as wood, plastic,composites, metal, ceramic, tile, masonry or other materials dependingon the application. Further, it will be appreciated that the fastenerunit can be used in conjunction with any type of decking, flooring,covering, roofing or other components.

Turning now to the fastener unit 10, each of the respective components,such as the spacer block 20, board engagement elements or resilientcompression elements 41, 42, grip element 30 and fastener 90 will now bedescribed in more detail. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the spacer block 20includes a front surface 21 and an opposing rear surface 22. Thesesurfaces are on opposite sides of the vertical axis VA of the spacerbody 20. This vertical axis VA can correspond to a longitudinal axis ofthe fastener 90. As described further below, a first fastener hole FF1is aligned with this vertical axis VA. The spacer body 20 can include afirst side surface 23 and an opposing second side surface 24.

The spacer block can define a thickness T1 that extends between thefront surface 21 and the opposing rear surface 22. This thicknesscorresponds to a preselected gap G (FIG. 7) that to be located betweenadjacently placed boards 101, 102. This gap and thickness can beoptionally at least 0.180 inches, further optionally at least 0.200inches, further optionally at least 0.250 inches, even furtheroptionally at least 0.300 inches, yet further optionally at least 0.350inches, further optionally at least 0.400 inches, yet further optionallyat least 0.450 inches, even further optionally at least 0.500 inches, orwider or increments thereof, depending on the application and thedesired spacing between adjacent deck boards. Alternatively, the gap andthickness can be optionally less than 0.180 inches, further optionallyless than 0.200 inches, still further optionally less than 0.250 inches,even further optionally less than 0.300 inches, yet further optionallyless than 0.350 inches, further optionally less than 0.400 inches, yetfurther optionally less than 0.450 inches, even further optionally lessthan 0.500 inches, or narrower or increments thereof, depending on theapplication and the desired spacing between adjacent deck boards.Optionally, the thickness T1 and corresponding gap G set by the spacerbody can be equal to and/or greater than the diameter DF of the fastenerhead 90H. In this manner, the fastener head can fit between and notexcessively mar board surfaces that are placed adjacent the spacer body.

The spacer body 20 can set this gap G by way of the front surface 21engaging in adjacent board, for example, board 102 in FIG. 7, and therearward opposing face 22 engaging the board 101 as shown in FIG. 7.With this spacer body being disposed generally between the upper andlower lobes or projections 105, 107 that straddle the respective grooves103 and 104, the spacer body effectively prevents those boards 101 and102 from being placed any closer to one another than the gap G due tothe thickness T1 of the spacer body 20 there between. As illustrated,the spacer body front surface 21 can engage the upper lobe 105 of aboard above the groove 104. A lower portion of the spacer body 26 canengage the lower lobe 107 of the board, generally below the groove.Optionally, the spacer body can engage portions of the side surface ofthe board in the regions of the lobes 105 and 107 above and below thegroove 103.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the spacer body upper portion 27 can includeor define a recess 27R that extends from an upper most surface 27U, to alocation adjacent the grip element 30. This recess 27R can be flanked byopposing ramped surfaces 27S. These ramped surfaces 27S can facilitateinsertion of the fastener 90 into the first fastener hole FF1 asdescribed further below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lower portion 26 can include a lowersurface 26L that can be generally flat. The distance D2 between thelowermost portion of the grip element 30 and the lower surface 26L ofthe lower portion 26 can be less than the distance D3 between the lowerwall 109L of the groove 103 as shown in FIG. 5. With this distance D2less than D3, the spacer block 20 optionally will not interfere with thegrip element 30 being brought into contact and engagement with the lowersurface 109L of the groove. For example, if the distance D2 wasoptionally greater than D3, this might interfere with the engagement ofthe grip element 30 with the components of the groove 103. Of course,this alternative construction can be implemented for differentapplications where grip element engagement is irrelevant.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the spacer body 20 also can define a gripelement recess 28. This grip element recess can extend generally throughthe spacer body, from the forward surface 21 to the opposing rearwardsurface 22. This grip element recess can be of a corresponding shaperelative to the shape of the grip element 30. The recess 28 can be inthe form of an inverted U- or C-shaped channel that opens downwardtoward a joist 106. This recess 28 can be sized to enable the gripelement 30 to be inserted through the spacer body and in some cases,friction fit and held in place relative to the spacer body. Of course,there can be some gaps between the sides of the recess and the gripelement 30 so that the spacer body does not hold that grip element well.In such constructions, the fastener 90, extending through a grip elementaperture, also called a second fastener hole SFH defined by the gripelement 30 and into the first fastener hole FF1 of the spacer body 20.Due to the engagement of the threads 90T of the fastener with the firstfastener hole FF1, the fastener can secure the grip element in placerelative to the spacer body. Optionally, the grip element 30 can beovermolded or 3-D printed over with material that forms the spacer body.In such a case, the grip element can be at least partially encapsulatedby the spacer body and held in place accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first fastener hole FF1 can include an upperportion FF1U and a lower portion FF1L. The upper portion and lowerportion can be of similar geometric shapes. For example, the upper andlower portions can both be cylindrical. In some cases, however, one canbe frustoconical and the other can be cylindrical. In yet otherapplications, the shape can be rectangular, square, polygonal,ellipsoid, rounded or other geometric shapes. These respective portionscan have different diameters or dimensions. For example, the upperportion can include a diameter DU and the lower portion can include adiameter DL. The lower portion diameter DL can be less than the upperportion diameter DU. This can enable the tip 90TP of the fastener 90,which can be pointed or frustoconical to be inserted into and have itsthreads partially bite into the lower portion FF1L. This in turn, canenable the fastener 90 to be slightly threaded into the spacer body sothat it is secured thereto via those threads and the interaction of thethreads with the first fastener hole FF1. It will be noted that althoughreferred to herein as a diameter, that phrase encompasses any dimensionof the first fastener hole, regardless of whether the respectiveportions of the hole are circular, elliptical, rounded or instead arepolygonal.

Turning to FIGS. 1-5, the grip element 30 can be in the form of a C-, V-or U-shaped channel. The grip element can be joined with the spacer bodyand optionally disposed within a spacer grip element recess or aperture28. The grip element can include a base 33 and optional first 31 andsecond 32 downwardly extending protrusions, cleats or gussets. Thesecleats can optionally be integrally formed with the base 33. The cleatscan be spaced a distance from one another and relative to the secondfastener hole SFH, and thus the fastener 90 and the fastener head 90H.In particular, the cleats can be spaced so that when the head 90H istightened and engages the grip element, first and second portions onopposite sides or ends of the head or its diameter respectively canexert forces downward directly over and on the first and second cleats31, 32, without bending the grip element. The cleats can function asreinforcing members to the base in this manner, particularly when thefastener head 90H is pressing down on the base, to optionally preventbuckling of that base. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleats 31, 32can be spaced so their interior facing surfaces are a distance D8 ofoptionally less than 0.500 inches from one another, further optionallyless than 0.250 inches from one another, even further optionally lessthan 0.200 inches from one another, yet further optionally less than0.180 inches from one another, and still further optionally about 0.208from one another. The diameter DF of the fastener can be equal to, lessthan or greater than this distance D8. Optionally, the diameter DF canbe equal to or slightly greater than the distance D8. In turn, this canmaintain the cleats under or immediately adjacent the lower portions ofthe head 90H when those portions engage the grip element. Again, thiscan add rigidity and support closer to the fastener as it is tightenedso the base and grip element in general do not deform, bend or buckledue to the downward force exerted by the fastener in the middle of thegrip element.

These cleats can be configured to engage the grooves 103 and 104 of therespective boards with which the fastener unit 10 is used. As shown, thecleats can include flat lower edges, however these edges can besharpened so that they are angled and come to points. Although notshown, the cleat lower edges can be serrated and/or include teeth tobetter bite into the groove of the board when the fastener unit issecured in place with the fastener 90.

As mentioned above, the grip element 30 includes a grip element apertureor second fastener hole SFH. This fastener hole can be aligned with thefirst fastener hole FF1 of the spacer body 20 so that the fastener canfit through both simultaneously. This second fastener hole SFH can bedisposed in the center of the base 33, and optionally centered halfwaybetween the forward edge 36 and rearward edge 37 of the grip element 30as shown in FIG. 2.

Optionally, the second fastener hole SFH can be a circular hole drilledthrough the base 33. In other cases, the second fastener hole SFH can bea recess ground through the base and one or more of the cleats 31 or 32,but only from a single side. This can enable the grip element to retainenough material so that the head 90H of the fastener 90 will engage thegrip element and pull it toward the underlying joist 106. The secondfastener hole can be large enough to accept the threads of a fastenertherethrough, but smaller than the diameter of the fastener head so thatthe head engages and pulls the grip element when tightened.

The grip element can also include a forwardly extending portion 38 thatextends forwardly of the forward surface 21 of the spacer body 20. Thegrip element can also include a rearward portion 37 that extendsrearwardly of the rearward face 22 of the spacer body. The forwardportion and rearward portions of the grip element can be of lengths L1and L2, which can be equal extending from the respective forward andrearward faces of the spacer body. Of course, in some applications thedistances and lengths can vary.

The grip element 30 can be constructed from a variety of materials, suchas metal, composites, polymers, ceramics, reinforced composites,polymers and the like. The grip element can be strong enough so that itdoes not buckle or collapse when the fastener head 90H engages it andpulls the grip element 30 into the lower surface 109L of the boardgroove 103. In this manner, the fastener 90 pulls the grip element 30into tight engagement with that lower surface 109L or other componentsof the groove 103. This in turn, clamps the board 101 down to theunderlying support structure 106. Due to this clamping, the board 101effectively can be prevented from moving upon expansion and contractionof that board when subjected to different environmental conditions, suchas heating and cooling. This can prevent the board from creeping in onedirection or the other or generally becoming uneven.

Optionally, although shown as an inverted channel, the grip element canbe in the form of a small tube with corresponding teeth, a single flatpiece of high-strength steel, optionally with serrations or knurling onits lower surface, or other forms, depending on the application and thematerials from which the boards are constructed and/or as well as thedesired holding strength.

As mentioned above, the fastener unit 10 can include first 41 and second42 resilient compression elements. These resilient compression elementscan be similar in structure and therefore only one will be described indetail here. It also will be appreciated that one of the resilientcompression elements can be eliminated from the design in certainapplications. In further applications, that area of the fastener unitcan be occupied by a simple flange or leg that extends outwardly fromthe side surface of the spacer body 20, where that component is notcompressible or movable from an open mode to a compressed mode as with aresilient compression element.

The first resilient compression element 41 can extend outwardly from thefirst side surface 23 of the spacer body 20. The second resilientcompression element 42 can extend outwardly from the second side surface24 of the spacer body, which is opposite the side 23. Thus, theresilient compression elements optionally can be symmetric about thevertical axis VA as shown in FIG. 3. Generally, the resilientcompression elements 41 and 42 can be joined on opposite sides of thevertical axis VA. In this manner, they can engage the groove distal fromone another to provide two or four points of engagement and contactbetween the fastener unit and the groove, not counting the engagement bythe grip element 30.

The first resilient compression element can include a verticallycompressible upper wing 41UW and a vertically compressible lower wing41LW. These wings can be joined at a junction 41J. The wings asillustrated are generally in the form of flat plates angled relative toanother and joined at apex at the junction 41J. Of course, in otherapplications these wings can be curved, rounded, or of other shapes.These upper and lower wings can be designed to be vertically compressedin direction VC as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. By vertically compressible,it is meant that the a wing or component or portion of the resilientcompression element can be moved in direction of the arrows VC,generally toward a plane P1 that is orthogonal to or otherwisetransverse to the vertical axis VA of the spacer body 20. Due to theirresilient nature, however, these portions resiliently deform and areurged to expand and re-attain their previous configuration in an openmode of those elements as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. After application offorces F to move the wings toward one another and/or generally towardthe plane P1, due to the resilient nature of the wings, those wings areself-urged to open back up to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The resilient compression elements 41, 42 are operable in an open mode,as shown in FIG. 3 and a compressed mode as shown in FIGS. 5-7. In theopen mode, the fastener unit 10 is not yet installed relative to agroove of a board. In that configuration, the ends or outermost portionsof the wings, farthest from the spacer body 20, are disposed a distanceD5 from one another. This distance D5 in the open mode can be less thanthe height GH of the groove. Because of the vertically compressiblenature of the resilient wings 42UW and 42LW of the resilient compressionelement 42, these wings can be moved toward one another or generallytoward a spacer body horizontal reference plane, that is, the firstplane P1. Optionally, this plane P1 can pass through the grip elementrecess 28 and/or the portions of the grip element 30. When these wingsare vertically compressed under a vertical compression force F, thedistance D6 between them decreases. This distance D6 can be less thanthe groove height GH. Optionally, the compression elements upper andlower portions can be separated by a variable distance. This distancecan be varied so that the resilient compression elements can fit withina particular groove of a board.

Referring to FIG. 3, the outer ends 41E of the wings, and generally theresilient compression element 41, are free ends that extended the space.That is, they are not connected to one another. Optionally, in someapplications, these elements and the ends can be connected to oneanother, provided that the connection allows vertical compression indirection VC. As an example, the upper and lower wings can be joinedwith corresponding wings, in the shape of “V”, that extend outwardlyfrom the ends 41E. In turn, this allows these components to becompressed. In other constructions, the vertically compressible wingscan be in the form of elongated elliptical or circular shapes that arestructured to enable them to be compressed and reduce their overallvertical dimension, optionally to some dimension that is less than thegroove height GH of the groove 103.

With reference to FIG. 5, in operation, a user can manually apply aforce F to vertically compress the wings 41 and 42 in direction VCtoward the plane P1 and/or generally toward one another. This convertsthe wings from the open mode shown in broken lines to a compressed modeas shown in solid lines. The resilient wings or portions of thecompression elements bend, flex or otherwise move toward one another sothat the distance between them is reduced from the distance D5 to thedistance D6. This reduction in distance can be approximately 5%, 10%,15%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50% or more, depending on the application andamount of vertical compression. Generally, the first wing and secondwing or other portions of the resilient compression element areresiliently moveable toward one another and/or the first plane P1 suchthat the vertical distance between the wings decreases upon theapplication of a compressive force by a user.

With the resilient compression elements in the compressed mode, a usercan install those elements 41 and 42 into the groove 103. Because thedistance D6 is less than the groove height GH, these elements will nowfit within the groove. When the user releases or reduces the force Fapplied in the compressed mode to the respective portions of theresilient compression element, those wings want to go back to theconfiguration of the open mode. Due to the upper 109U and lower 109Lsurfaces of the groove, engagement if those wings with the resilientcompression elements and the respective wings or other portions thereof,exert forces F1 and F2 on the board 101 in the groove, and against theupper and lower surfaces of the groove. These forces can optionally beat least 0.0001 pounds, further optionally at least 0.001 pounds, evenfurther optionally at least 0.05 pounds, yet further optionally between0.0001 pounds and 0.5 pounds. Of course, other forces can be exerted bythe compression elements against the surfaces of the groove depending onthe application and configuration of the resilient compression elements.

Due to the forcible expansion of the resilient compression elementswithin the groove, the resilient compression elements secure the spacerblock in a position adjacent the first groove. In this manner, thespacer block can be disposed in and effectively form the gap G betweenthe side surfaces of the boards 101 and 102 when the second board isinstalled, as shown in FIG. 7.

The resilient compression elements 41, 42 can include respective frontedges 41F, 42F and rear edges 41R, 42R. The rear edges 41R areconfigured to fit within the groove 103 of the board 101. In some cases,the rear edges can be disposed entirely within the groove and locatedadjacent the rear wall 109R. The front edges, however, can extendoutward from the groove, and beyond the site surface of the board, andin particular the lobes 105 and 107.

Optionally, the front edge and rear edge are separated by a compressionelement width CEW. This compression element width CEW can be greaterthan the thickness T1 of the spacer block 20. Put another way, thethickness T1 of the spacer block 20 can be less than the compressionelement width CEW. Thus, the resilient compression elements can extendforward and/or rearward from the front and rear surfaces of the spacerblock. As illustrated, the front edge 42F can lay within a common planewith the front surface 21 of the spacer block 20. The rearward edges41R, 42R can extend beyond and outwardly from the spacer block rearsurface 22 a distance D7 as shown in FIG. 1.

In some cases, there can be spatial relationships between the gripelement, spacer block and resilient compression elements. For example,the grip element can have a grip element length L3 that extends from thefront edge to the rear edge of the grip element 30. As mentioned, abovethe spacer block 20 can include a spacer block thickness T1 and theresilient compression elements can each include compressible elementwidths CEW. As illustrated, the grip element length L3 can be greaterthan the compressible element width CEW. The resilient compressionelement width CEW can be greater than the spacer block thickness T1. Insome cases, both the grip element length L3 and the compression elementwidth CEW can be greater than the thickness T1. This can enable therespective grip element and resilient compression elements to fit withinthe groove of one board yet not interfere with fitment of another boardadjacent the first board. Indeed, the compression element width CEW canbe less than the sum of the groove depth GD plus the thickness T1 of thespacer block. This can enable the resilient compression elements to bedisposed within the groove to hold the spacer block in place, yet notextend beyond the spacer block to interfere with the setting of a gapbetween adjacent boards. With this decreased width, the resilientcompression elements also might not interfere with or engage anothergroove 104 of an adjacent board 102. Instead, only the grip element 30optionally extends into and is engaged against that groove 104 to securethe boards to another.

The resilient compression elements 41, 42 can be joined with the spacerbody 20 at respective fracturable joints 48 and 49. As shown in FIGS. 3and 5, these fractional joints can be effective zones of weakness wherethe material joining the spacer body and the resilient compressionelements is thinned so that those resilient compression elements can bebent in direction B and effectively break off at that joint. This isillustrated in FIG. 3 where the joint 49 has been fractured. In somecases, the fractional joint can be a portion of plastic that hasperforations or holes extending therethrough. With this fracturable ajoint, a user can selectively and manually remove one of the resilientcompression elements 41, 42 to fit in a particular confined space orover a combination of abutting underlying support joists.

A related method of using the fastener unit 10 of the current embodimentwill now be described. In general, the fastener unit can be providedincluding its spacer body 20, grip element 30, and resilient compressionelements 41 and 42. The fastener 90 can be installed therein or can beinstalled by the user generally extending through the fastener holes asdescribed above and engaging different portions of those holes as alsodescribed above. A user can apply a force F as shown in FIG. 3 tovertically compress in direction VC the wings of the resilientcompression element toward one another and/or generally toward a planeP1. This in turn, changes the distance between the ends of the wingsfrom a distance D5 to a lesser distance D6. When so compressed, thefastener unit transforms from an open mode, shown in broken lines, to acompressed mode, shown in solid lines, in FIG. 5. The wings of theresilient compression elements as well as the rearward portion 37 of thegrip element 30 can be inserted into the groove 103 as shown in FIG. 6.These elements can be pushed in direction R as shown in FIG. 2 into thegroove. The wings can be released to remove the manually appliedcompressive force F on the wings. In turn, the wings resiliently deformback toward their configuration in the open mode from the compressedmode. This in turn, exerts forces F1 and F2 by the resilient compressionelements against the upper and lower surfaces of the groove. This fixesthe fastener unit in place adjacent that groove. The spacer body 20 isthus held adjacent the first side surface 101S of the board 101 that isadjacent the groove 103.

As mentioned above, in some cases, two joists may be immediatelyadjacent one another. To center the fasteners and associated gripelements over each of the joists, one resilient compression element canbe broken off each of the adjacent fastener units. This can be achievedby the user manually bending in direction B one of the resilientcompression elements 41 to snap that component off from the spacer bodyas shown in FIG. 3.

With the fastener unit properly installed relative to the first board101, a second board 102, as shown in FIG. 7, can be placed immediatelyadjacent the first board 101, but separated by a gap G established bythe thickness of the spacer body 20 of the fastener unit 10. Due to thegrip element 30 extending outwardly from the forward face 21 of thespacer block, that grip element can be installed in the second groove104 of the second board 102. With the boards so installed on the joist106, the fastener 90 can be rotated in direction A. As a result, thefastener advances through the spacer body 20, the grip element 30 andinto the underlying support or joist 106. As it does so, the head 90Heventually engages the grip element 30. This in turn pulls the gripelement downward toward the joist 106. As a result, the grip elementand, for example, its cleats or protrusions bite into the lower surfacesof the respective grooves of the boards. This in turn provides enhancedholding force of the boards against the joist 106. With the fastenerunit of the current embodiments, the overall length of the unit from endto end is generally sufficient to cover all of the top of the joist 106that may otherwise be exposed through the gap G established between theboards.

A first alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 8-11 and generally designated 110. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiment described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 110 includes a fastener 190 similar to the fastener 90 above. Italso includes a grip element 130 that is disposed in a recess 128defined by a spacer body 120. The spacer body can have a spacer bodywidth SW. The grip element can have a grip element width GW. The gripelement width can be less than the spacer body width. For example thegrip element width can be optionally less than ¾ the spacer body width,further optionally less than ½ the spacer body width.

The spacer body can be configured to establish a gap between adjacentboards, and sized with a thickness T2 similar to the thickness T1described in the embodiment above. The grip element 130 can define asecond fastener hole SFH′ that is aligned with a first fastener holeFFH′ of the spacer body 120 similar to that described above. The firstfastener hole FFH′ also can include upper and lower portions FF1U′ andFF1L′ that have different diameters, the lower one having a diameterless than the upper one's diameter. The grip element 130 optionally canextend from the forward 121 and rearward 122 surfaces of the spacer body120 by equal distances D10 and D11. Of course, in some applications,these distances can vary.

In this embodiment, the unit 110 can include first and secondcompression elements which are in the form of first and second joistlegs 141 and 142 that extend downward and outward from the spacer body120. These first and second joist legs are configured to straddle andclampingly engage a joist. The joist legs are similar in construction,so only the first joist leg 141 will be described here. The joist leg141 includes an outwardly extending portion 143 that extends outwardfrom a side of the spacer body 120. That outwardly extending portion 143transitions to a rounded or curved portion 145 that extends downwardly,away from a bottom 126L of the spacer body 120. The curved portion 145is generally concave, opening toward the vertical axis VA. That curvedportion 145 extends to a lower engagement portion 146. This lowerengagement portion is generally convex relative to the vertical axis VAand opens away from that vertical axis VA. The engagement portionincludes an inner engagement surface 146S which is configured to engageand slide over a portion of the outer walls 106W of the joist 106. Thissurface 146S again is generally curved and convex away from the verticalaxis to facilitate sliding of this portion over the walls 106W.

Optionally, each of the joist legs 141 and 142 can be joined with thespacer body 120 at fracturable joints 148, 149 similar to thosedescribed above. In this manner, at least one of the first and secondjoint legs can be manually broken off from the spacer body toaccommodate double joists or other confined spaces.

A method of installing the fastener unit 110 will now be described inconnection with FIGS. 9-11. The fastener unit 110 can be disposedadjacent a joist 106 and board 101 as illustrated in FIG. 10. Inparticular, the joist legs 141 and 142 can be resiliently deformedoutward by sliding the engagement surfaces 146S into engagement with thewalls 106W of the joist 106. Due to the rounded nature, the joist legscan be resiliently flexed or moved outward and can slide over thosewalls. Before the lower surface 126L of the spacer body engages theupper surface 106U of the joist 106, the grip element 130 can beinserted into the groove 103 and engage the groove lower surface 109L.Due to the spatial relationship of the spacer body, its lower surface126L and the lower surface 109L of the groove, the lower surface of thespacer body can be placed at a level lower than a lower surface of thefirst groove, for example, the lower surface 126L of the spacer body canbe below the lower surface 109L of the groove.

As illustrated, the joist legs can exert a compressive or clamping forceF4 on the joist 106 to hold the grip element 130 at the elevation abovethe joist shown in FIG. 10, generally protruding into the groove 103.With the grip element in this location, as shown in FIG. 11, a secondboard 102 can be moved in place adjacent the fastener unit 110. Due tothe thickness T2 of the spacer body 120 separating the two boards, a gapG′ can be established between those boards. The grip element 130 alsoextends into both of the respective gaps of the two boards. With thegrip element so placed, and the gap G′ established, a user can advancethe fastener 90 into the underlying joist. In turn, this causes the gripelement 130 and its corresponding cleats to bite into the respectivegrooves, thereby securing the board in a fixed location over the joist106.

Optionally, in confined spaces, with reference to FIG. 9, one of thejoist legs 141 can be bent in direction B to resiliently break off thatleg at the fracturable joint 149.

A second alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 12-13 and generally designated 210. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 210 can include a fastener 290 similar to the fasteners 90 and 190above. It also can include a grip element 230 that is disposed in arecess 228 defined by a spacer body 220. The grip element 230 optionallycan extend from and beyond the forward 221 and rearward 222 surfaces ofthe spacer body 220. As above, the spacer body can be configured toestablish a gap between adjacent boards, and sized with a thickness T3similar to the thicknesses T1 and T2 described in the embodiments above.

In this embodiment, the unit 210 includes first and second joist legs241 and 242, also referred to as resilient compression element in somecases, that extend downward and outward from the spacer body 220. Thesefirst and second joist legs are configured to straddle and clampinglyengage a joist. The joist legs are similar in construction, so only thefirst joist leg 241 will be described here. The joist leg 241 includesan outwardly extending portion 243 that extends outward from a side ofthe spacer body 220. That outwardly extending portion 243 transitions toa rounded or curved portion 245 that extends downwardly, away from abottom 226L of the spacer body 220. The curved portion 245 is generallyconcave, opening toward the vertical axis VA of the spacer body 220,which can be coincident and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis LA ofthe fastener 290. That curved portion 245 extends to a lower engagementportion 246. This lower engagement portion 246 can be convex relative tothe vertical axis VA and can open away from that vertical axis VA. Theengagement portion can include an inner engagement surface 246Sconfigured to engage and slide over a portion of the outer walls 106W ofthe joist 106. This surface 246S can be curved and convex away from thevertical axis VA to facilitate sliding of this portion over the walls106W. Of course, in other constructions, that surface 246S can be flat,planar, rough, ridged, triangular, or can have other geometricconfigurations depending on the configuration of the joist or theworkpiece against which the leg is to be engaged.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first joist leg 241 can extend from a firstlateral side L1 of the spacer block 220 on a first side of the verticalaxis VA, and the second joist leg 242 can extend from a second lateralside L2 of the spacer block 220. The first and second joist legs canextend outwardly and downwardly from the spacer block. Each of the joistlegs can include a forward surface and a rearward surface, and one ormore of the joist legs can include a stabilizer bar extending from thejoist leg a predetermined distance. In general, the opposing stabilizerbars 251, 252 on the opposing joist legs 241 and 242 can be disposed ata common level L4 relative to one another and relative to another levelL3 of the bottom or lower surface 230L of the grip element 230. Due tothe similarities of the legs and the stabilizer bars in the embodimentillustrated, only the first joist leg 241 and its correspondingstabilizer bar 251 will be described here.

The first joist leg 241 can include a front surface 241F and a rearsurface 241R. The rear surface optionally can be planar and/or rounded.The rear surface can further include the stabilizer bar 251 projectingrearward from it in a direction opposite the front surface 241F of thejoist leg 241. As illustrated, the stabilizer bar 251 can be integrallyformed and joined with the leg at a transition location between thecurved portion 245 and the lower engagement portion 246 of the joistleg. The stabilizer bar can project from the rear surface 241R adistance D13. This distance D13 can be equal to a distance D14 fromwhich an end 230E of the grip element 230 extends away from the rearwardsurface 241R of the leg and/or of the rear surface 222 of the spacerbody. The distance D13 optionally can be 1/32 inches, further optionally⅛ inches, further optionally ¼ inch, yet further optionally ½ inch, evenfurther optionally % inches, or other distances depending on theapplication. In some cases, D13 can be greater than, less than or equalto D14. In cases where a bottom of the board with which the fastenerunit 210 is utilized, the distance D13 is greater than the distance D14by at least 10% to 25%, such that the stabilizer bar 251 can adequatelyextend beyond a curved lower corner of the board and engage the undersurface or bottom surface of the board as described below.

Referring to FIG. 12, the stabilizer bar 251 can include an uppersurface 251U and a lower surface 251L. The upper surface 251U and lowersurface 251L optionally can be part of a continuous cylindrical wall 254where the stabilizer bar 251 is of a cylindrical shape. Of course, wherethe stabilizer bar 251 is of another geometric shape, for example, asquare shape, a polygonal shape an ellipsoid shape, or some otherrounded or irregular shape, the upper and lower surfaces can be formedby different portions of a wall or different walls altogether.

The wall 254 can extend to the rear surface 241R of the leg 241. In somecases, the stabilizer bar can alternatively extend also from the forwardsurface 241F of the joist leg. It may extend the distance D13, or somelesser or greater distance, depending on the application and the type ofboard utilized with the fastener unit. The stabilizer bar also can beconfigured such that the stabilizer bar 251 terminates at a free end251E that projects out into space, in which case the stabilizer bar iscantilevered. This end 251E can include a ramped portion 255 and aflattened end portion 256. The ramped portion 255 can be a frustoconicalshape or angled or rounded. In some cases, the ramp 255 and end 256 canbe merged into a hemispherical or otherwise rounded end. The end can berounded or ramped as shown so that that end easily traverses past acorner or other side surface or bottom of a board when the fastener unitis installed. The ramp and/or rounded surface easily rides over thecorner of the board and/or the bottom surface of the board for rapidinstallation.

As further shown in FIG. 12, the stabilizer bar can be disposed adistance D12 below the lower surface 230L of the gripping element 230.For example, the lower surface 230L can be disposed at a level L3, whilethe upper surface 251U of the stabilizer bar 251 can be disposed at asecond level L4. The distance D12 between these different levels can beequal to a distance between a bottom of a groove, and a bottom surfaceof that same board. In this manner, the board can be pinched or clampedbetween the bottom surface 230L of the gripping element 230 and theupper surface 251U of the stabilizer bar. Optionally, the portion of theboard between the bottom of a groove of the board and the bottom surfaceof the board can be pinched or clamped between the gripping element 230and the stabilizer bar 251 on the joist leg 241. Via this interactionwith the board, as described further below, the fastener unit 210 can besecured to and joined temporarily with the board optionally to maintainthe fastener 290 longitudinal axis LA in a vertical, upright positionbefore installation of the fastener 290 into an underlying joist.

Although shown as a generally cylindrical bar, the stabilizer bar 251also can have other shapes. In some cases, the stabilizer bar 251 can bea portion of the joist leg 241 below the curved portion 245 at adistance D12, where that leg becomes a greater thickness (not shown)from its rear surface 241R to its front surface 241F. For example, abovethe stabilizer bar, the thickness T4 of the joist leg 241 can beapproximately ¼ inch. Starting at the upper surface 251U of thestabilizer bar (although not shown) the leg can be of a substantiallygreater thickness T5 such that the leg is 2, 3, 4, 5 or more times asthick as the thickness T4. This greater thickness T5 can extend all theway to the tip of the engagement portion 246. In other cases (althoughnot shown) the stabilizer bar can extend in this manner to taper fromthe thickness T5 back toward the thickness T4 or some other thickness ofthe joist leg 241 toward the tip of the joist leg.

A method of installing the fastener unit 210 will now be described inconnection with FIG. 13. The fastener unit 210 can be disposed adjacenta joist 106 and board 101 as illustrated in FIG. 13. In particular, thejoist legs 241 and 242 can be resiliently deformed outward by slidingthe engagement portions 246, and their respective surfaces 246S intoengagement within and along the opposing walls 106W of the joist 106.Due to the rounded nature, the joist legs can be resiliently flexed ormoved outward and can slide over those walls. Before the lower surface226L of the spacer body engages the upper surface 106U of the joist 106,the grip element 230 can be inserted into the board groove 103 andengage the groove lower surface 109L. The joist legs 241, 242 can exerta compressive or clamping force F4 on the joist 106 to hold the gripelement 230 at the elevation above the joist 106 shown in FIG. 13, withthe element protruding into the groove 103.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the stabilizer bar 251 can be disposedbelow the bottom surface 101B of the board 101. In particular, the uppersurface 251U of the stabilizer bar 251 can engage the bottom surface101B adjacent the corner 101C of the board. The end 251E of thestabilizer bar optionally projects a distance that is greater than thedepth GD of the groove 103 inward from the side surface 101S of theboard 101. This distance can be the distance D13 shown in FIG. 12. Thus,the distance D13 can be greater than groove depth GD, and optionallygreater than the distance D14 by which the grip element 230 extends fromthe rear surface of the fastener unit.

The lower surface 230L of the grip element as mentioned above can be adistance D12 from the upper surface 251U of the stabilizer bar 251. Thisdistance can be less than the distance D15 below the groove lowersurface 109L, between the groove lower surface 109 and the bottomsurface 101B of the board. Accordingly, the grip element 230, incooperation with the stabilizer bar 251, can exert a force F15 on theboard with the grip element 230 exerting the force F15 on the lowersurface 109L of the groove, and the upper surface of the stabilizer barexerting the force F15 on the bottom surface 101B of the board 101. Thisin turn exerts a slight clamping or pinching force on the board withinthat region. Accordingly, the stabilizer bar can assist in furtherholding and maintaining the vertical axis VA of the fastener unit andthe longitudinal axis LA of the fastener 290 in a generally vertical,upright orientation. This vertical, upright orientation can refer to anorientation that optionally is perpendicular to the plane P10 of theboard 101, in particular, its upper surface 101U, which optionally canlay in a horizontal plane. The upright vertical orientation can beperfectly vertical, or can be slightly offset from vertical by up to 5°or up to 10°, depending on the application.

With the stabilizer bar cooperating with the grip element 230, thefastener unit exerts both a force on the board 101 and another force onthe joist 106, the latter, by virtue of the forces exerted by the legs241 and 242 against opposing sides of the joist. Thus, the joist legsexert clamping force F4 on the joist, and the stabilizer bars exertanother force F15 on the board, between the groove and the bottomsurface of the board. Optionally, the force F15 is a vertical force,while the force F4 exerted by the joist legs is a substantiallyhorizontal force. Of course, depending on the orientation of the joistin the board, the directions of the forces can change relative tohorizontal and vertical planes.

The fastener unit 210 so installed can provide multiple points ofcontact between the fastener unit and the board, and thereby stabilizethe fastener unit in a particular orientation, optionally holding thefastener associated with the unit in an upright, vertical orientation,ready for engagement by a tool. Optionally, the fastener unit 210 canengage the board 101, and the joist 106 to prevent forward and afttilting T7, generally in a direction toward or away from the sidesurface 101S of the board. The fastener unit also can prevent teeteringin directions T8 which are generally into and out of the plane of FIG.13, such that the fastener and fastener unit do not slide along the sidesurface 101S of the board when in position. Thus, the fastener unit canprovide multidirectional stability and support for the fastener 290,optionally holding it in an upright, vertical orientation as shown.

With the fastener unit oriented as shown in FIG. 13, a second board 102can be moved in place adjacent the fastener unit 210. Due to thestabilization and forces exerted by the joist legs, the grip element andthe stabilizer bars of the fastener unit 210, the fastener unit canremain in position, with the other end of the grip element 230 slidinginto the groove 102G of board 102, and the fastener 290 staying in agenerally upright and vertical orientation. With the grip element inposition in the opposing gaps of the boards, and the appropriate gap setby the spacer body, the user can advance the fastener 290 into theunderlying joist. In turn, this causes the grip element 230 and itscorresponding cleats to bite into the respective grooves, therebysecuring the board in a fixed location over the joist 106.

A third alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 14-16 and generally designated 310. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 310 can include a fastener 390 similar to the fasteners 90, 190 and290 above. It also can include a grip element 330 that is disposed in arecess 328 defined by a spacer body 320. The grip element 330 optionallycan extend from and beyond the forward 321 and rearward 322 surfaces ofthe spacer body 320. As above, the spacer body can be configured toestablish a gap between adjacent boards, and sized with a thickness T4similar to the thicknesses T1, T2 and T3 described in the embodimentsabove.

In this embodiment, the unit 310 includes first and second joist legs341 and 342, also referred to as resilient compression element in somecases, that extend downward and outward from the spacer body 320. Thesefirst and second joist legs are configured to straddle and clampinglyengage a joist. The joist legs are similar in construction, so only thefirst joist leg 341 will be described here. The joist leg 341 includesan outwardly extending portion 343 that extends outward from a side ofthe spacer body 320. That outwardly extending portion 343 transitions toa rounded or curved portion 345 that extends downwardly, away from abottom 326L of the spacer body 320. The curved portion 345 is generallyconcave, opening toward the vertical axis VA of the spacer body 320,which can be coincident and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis LA ofthe fastener 390. That curved portion 345 extends to a lower engagementportion 346. This lower engagement portion 346 can be convex relative tothe vertical axis VA and can open away from that vertical axis VA. Theengagement portion can include an inner engagement surface 346Sconfigured to engage and slide over a portion of the outer walls 106W ofthe joist 106. This surface 346S can be curved and convex away from thevertical axis VA to facilitate sliding of this portion over the walls106W. Of course, in other constructions, that surface 346S can be flat,planar, rough, ridged, triangular, or can have other geometricconfigurations depending on the configuration of the joist or the workpiece against which the leg is to be engaged.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first joist leg 341 can extend from a firstlateral side L1 of the spacer block 320 on a first side of the verticalaxis VA, and the second joist leg 342 can extend from a second lateralside L2 of the spacer block 320. The spacer block 320 itself can beformed as a timing spacer block such that the lower surface 326L of thespacer block of this embodiment engages the upper surface 106U of thejoist as the fastener 390 is tightened to install the fastener unit 310.This lower surface 326L can be disposed below the lower surface 330L ofthe grip element, optionally at least ¼ inch below, further optionallyat least ½ inch below that surface. Optionally, the lower surface 326Lcan engage the upper surface 106U of the joist 106 when the grip element330 engages the groove 103, for example the lower wall 109L of thegroove 103 upon the application of a force F16 as described below.

With reference to FIGS. 15-16, the timing spacer block 320 can beconfigured so that it has a relationship relative to a thickness T9between the lower surface 109L of the groove and the bottom surface 101Bof the board 101, or other boards, such as board 102 on the oppositeside of the fastener unit 310. This thickness T9 can be optionally ¼inch, further optionally ½ inch, or other dimensions depending on theparticular board. The fastener unit 310 can be configured so that thebottom 326L of the timing spacer body is spaced a distance D16 from thelowermost surface 330 L of the grip element 330, whether or not thatgrip element has one or more pressure feet 330P. This distance D16 canbe equal to or less than the thickness T9 mentioned above. In someapplications, the distance D16 relative to the thickness T9 can beexpressed in a ratio, for example optionally 1:1, further optionally0.99:1, yet further optionally less than 1:1, even further optionallybetween 0.9:1 and 1:1, inclusive.

These ratios and the general relationship between the thickness T9 andD16 can be established so that the spacer block 320 (and in particularits lower surface 326L) is “timed” to engage the upper surface 106U ofthe joist 106 when the predetermined force F16 is applied by a pressurefoot 330 against the board 101, and in general against the lower surface109L of the groove 103. Optionally, the lower surface 326L of the timingspacer block 320 can engage the upper surface 106U of the joist 106after or at the same time as the pressure foot 330P engages the lowersurface 106L of the groove. This can enable the fastener unit 310 toapply a predetermined force F16 through the pressure foot 330P and thegrip element 330 in general. When the spacer body, however, bottoms outagainst the upper surface of the joist, the amount of additional forceadded to the predetermined force F16 can be limited and/or cut offcompletely because the spacer body prevents the fastener from beingtightened further, and thus prevents the fastener from advancingfarther, which otherwise would increase or otherwise add to thepredetermined force F16 applied to the board via the feet in the groove.In this manner, the timing spacer block 320 can be constructed to assistin limiting or otherwise controlling the predetermined force F16 that isapplied to the boards 101 and 102 when and as the fastener unit 310 issecured in place. In some cases, where the board is weak, thin orundercut below the groove, this can prevent the grip element fromdamaging or breaking the part of the board adjacent or under the groove.Also, it will be appreciated that although only a force F16 isillustrated in the groove 103 of board 101, another force, substantiallyequal to force F16 is being applied in the groove 103′ of the otherboard 102 via the feet at the other end 332 of the grip element 330.

Optionally, the portion of the board 101 between the lower surface 109Lof the groove and the bottom 101B of the board can be pinched or clampedbetween the bottom surface 330L of the gripping element 330 and theupper surface 106U of the joist with the predetermined force F16 as thefastener unit 310 is tightened, that is when the fastener 390 isadvanced into the joist 106 and the head 390H of the fastener 390engages the gripping element 330 to pull the gripping element downward,upon the application of the predetermined force F16 through the grippingelement 330. Again, this predetermined force F16 can be limited by wayof the lower surface 326L of the timing spacer block 320 engaging theupper surface 106U of the joist 106 to prevent and/or impair thefastener 390 from further advancing into the joist 106, which would thuspull the gripping element 330 farther toward the joist and produce moreclamping force F16.

Further optionally, it will be appreciated that when the timing spacerblock 320 engages the upper surface 106U of the joist 106, and thefastener 390 is further advanced in direction FA toward and into thejoist 106, the spacer block 320 itself is placed under a compressiveforce CF between the upper surface of the joist and the gripping element330, when the gripping element is engaged by the head 390H of thefastener 390. This compressive force CF can be greater than, equal to orless than the force F16. In many cases, the compressive force can begreater than the force F16.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, the fastener unit 310 alsocan be outfitted with a gripping element 330 that is similar to thegripping elements 30, 130 and 230, with several exceptions. For example,this gripping element 330 can be constructed for use with a particulartype of board 101, 102. As one example, this board can be a TIMBERTECHor other composite deck board commercially available from AZEK BuildingProducts of Skokie, Ill. Such a board 101 can be constructed to includea groove 103 that is defined inward from side surface 101S. In such aboard, this groove also can be duplicated and defined on both opposingsides of the same board 101 (although the second opposing groove is notshown). The groove 103 can transition inward from the side surface 101S.The groove can include an upper surface 109U that transitions to a rearwall 109R which further transitions to a lower wall 109L. The upper andlower walls of the groove are opposite one another and can be generallyplanar. The lower wall 109L can transition out to the side surface 101S.

In some constructions, below the lower wall 109L, the side surface 101Scan transition to a slanted wall 101A. This slanted wall 101A differsfrom the portion of the side surface 101S above the upper wall 109U ofthe groove 103, in that the slanted wall 101A angles back toward theplane P3 within which the rear wall 109R can at least partially lay. Theslanted wall 101A can transition to the bottom surface 101B of the board101 a preselected distance D17 from the plane P3. The slanted wall 101Acan be disposed at an angle A1 relative to the bottom wall 101B. Thisangle A1 can be an obtuse angle, optionally greater than 90°. Thisslanted wall 101A can be rounded or slightly curvilinear, rather thanlinear as illustrated. The slanted wall 101A can transition to thebottom wall 101B at a transition region 101T, which can form part of theangle A1. This transition region 101T can be disposed the distance D17,closer to the side surface 101S than the rear wall 109R of the groove103. The region 101P between the transition region 101T and the plane P3within which the rear wall 109R of the groove lays can be configured totransfer the force F16 applied by the grip element 330 in particular thepredetermined force F16 when this force is applied through the pressurefoot 330P as described below. Optionally, the slanted wall 101A can bedisposed between the side surface 101S and the transition 101T. Theslanted wall can extend a distance D19 from the side surface 101Shorizontally away from that surface. This distance D19 can be less thanthe depth of the groove, that is the distance from the side surface 101Sto the rear wall 109R of the groove 103.

The grip element 330 can be similar to the grip elements 30, 130 and 230described above, with several exceptions. For example, the grip element330 optionally can be in the form of a C- or U-shaped channel, with thechannel opening downward relative to the vertical axis VA orlongitudinal axis LA. The grip element can be disposed in a recessdefined by the spacer body 71 similar to force noted above. The gripelement can be constructed to include downwardly extending cleats, whichoptionally can be portions of the channel or an elongated metal orcomposite bar. The grip element can include one or more feet or teeth,formed as part of the channel, the cleats or as additional protrusionsextending from the grip element. As an example, the grip element 330 caninclude one or more pressure feet 330P. These pressure feet 330P can bedisposed at the first 331 and second 332 ends of the grip element. Thesepressure feet can each form at least a portion of the lower surface 330Lof the grip element 330. The pressure feet also can come in pairs, forexample a pair of pressure feet 331P1 and 331P2 can be disposed at thefirst end 331. The second end 332 can include a similar pair of pressurefeet.

The pressure feet can include the lower surface 330L of the gripelement, with each of the pair of the pressure feet forming a portion ofthat lower surface 330L. The pressure feet can extend all the way to thevery end 331 of the grip element. Although shown as flat of the lowersurface 326L, the feet can be pointed or rounded at that lower surface.The individual ones of the pairs of pressure feet also can form opposingsides of the U-channel that extend downward from the grip element. Inthis manner, each end can include two opposing pressure feet.Optionally, the pairs can distribute the predetermined force F16 evenlyand spread out between those two pressure feet. Optionally, where thegrip element is not C or U-shaped, and is in the form of a bar (notshown), there can be single pressure feet located at the opposing ends.These pressure feet can also include larger lower surfaces of aparticular geometric shape to provide more surface contact with theinterior of the groove.

The pressure feet of grip element can be spaced a particular distancefrom the respective front 321 and rear 322 surfaces of the fastener unit310. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the pressure feet 330P of one end331 of the grip element 330 can be disposed a distance D18 from thefront surface 321 of the spacer block 320. Of course, the pressure feetat the second opposing end 332 can be disposed a similar distance fromthe rear surface 322 of the spacer block. This distance D18 can begreater than the distance D19 mentioned above with regard to the slantedwall 101A. Within this distance D18 away from the spacer block 20, thegrip element can be recessed upward from the lower surface 330L. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the pressure feet 330P cantransition upward to a recessed surface 330R of the grip element. Thisrecessed surface 330R can be disposed at a level above the lower surface330L of the grip element 330 such that the recessed surface 330Rgenerally does not substantially contact the lower surface 109L of thegroove 103 when the fastener unit 310 is installed relative to thegrooves and the boards. In this manner, substantially only the lowersurface 330L of the grip element associated with the pressure feet 330Pengage that lower surface 109L of the groove.

The pressure feet 330P, when spaced the distance D18 on the spacer block320, can be configured to enable the predetermined force F16 to bedistributed downward into the preselected pressure region 101P.Substantially all of the force F16 can be distributed to this region101P. Optionally, little to no portion of the force F16 is distributedby the pressure feet 330P to the slanted wall 101A and/or the transitionregion 101T. Accordingly, with the force F16 distributed this far fromthe spacer block 320 and in general the side surface 101S, which canengage the spacer block directly, the force F16 is not distributed in amanner so as to urge the board 101 to rotate in direction N. Thus, theboard 101 is prevented from tipping or angling when the fastener unit310 is advanced to pull the board downward against the joist 106.

Optionally, the pressure feet 330P can be disposed the distance D18 fromthe spacer body 320 to ensure that the predetermined force F16administered through the pressure feet 330P is not administered directlyvertically over the slanted wall 101A, but rather in pressure region101P that is farther away from the side surface 101S than the slantedwall 101A. Where the region 101P forms a portion of the bottom surface101B of the board 101, the pressure feet and the grip element thus canexert the predetermined force F16 downward, directly to the bottomsurface 101B which is in contact and generally parallel to the uppersurface 106U of the joist 106. The flat generally planar bottom surface101B of the board 101 can engage the flat generally planar upper surface106U of the joist and the two can be pressed together under thepredetermined force F16. And as mentioned above, this predeterminedforce F16 can be limited by the spacer body 320 engaging the joist.

A method of installing the fastener unit 310 will now be described inconnection with FIGS. 14 and 16. The fastener unit 310 can be disposedadjacent a joist 106 as illustrated in FIG. 14. In particular, the joistlegs 341 and 342 can be resiliently deformed outward by sliding theengagement portions 346, and their respective surfaces 346S intoengagement within the and along the opposing walls 106W of the joist106. Due to the rounded nature, the joist legs can be resiliently flexedor moved outward and can slide over those walls. The lower surface 326Lof the spacer body 320 can be move toward and optionally can engage theupper surface 106U of the joist 106. The joist legs 341, 342 can exert acompressive or clamping force on the joist 106 to hold the grip element330 at the elevation above the joist 106 shown in FIG. 16, with theelement protruding into the groove 103.

The grip element 330 can be inserted into the board groove 103, forexample, into the respective grooves 103 of both of the opposing boards101 and 102. These boards can be pushed toward one another so that thespacer body 320 and an upper portion 338, above the gripping element,can be contacted by and engaged by the respective side surfaces 101S,102S of the opposing boards 101 and 102. The grip element can bepositioned in the respective groups of the boards 101 and 102 such thatthe lower surface 330L of the respective pressure feet 330P engage thegroove lower surface 109L. When the boards are pushed together, thepressure feet 330P are disposed at the distance D18 from the spacer body320. Accordingly, the pressure feet are disposed over the pressureregion 101P that corresponds to the bottom, generally planar surface101B of the board. The pressure feet also can be positioned at alocation within the distance D17 between the rear wall 109R and thetransition 101T. Optionally, the pressure feet are not disposed directlyvertically above the slanted wall 101A. Further optionally, the pressurefeet 330P can be disposed farther into the groove, closer to the rearwall 109R than to the side surface 101S of the board. As a furtherexample, the pressure feet can be disposed at or greater than thedistance D19 away from the side surface of the board. The pressure feetthat the opposing end 332 can be disposed in the groove 103′ andoriented relative to its surfaces in a similar manner.

The lower surface 330L of the grip element, and in particular thepressure feet, as mentioned above can be a distance D18 from the spacerbody. This distance can place the pressure feet 330P directly over thepressure region 101P. When the fastener unit is installed relative tothe boards 101 and 102 as shown in FIG. 16, the fastener 390 can beadvanced in direction FA, through the spacer body and the grip element,advancing into the underlying joist 106. Upon this advancement, the head390H of fastener 390 eventually engages the upper surface of the gripelement 330. The fastener continues to be advanced into the joist 106.If the lower surface 326L was not in direct engagement with the uppersurface 106U of the joist 106, it can begin to be so engaged as thefastener is advanced. As the advancement of the fastener 390 continues,the head 390H pulls the grip element 330 downward. This engages thepressure feet 330P and the lower surface 330L of the grip element 330against the lower surfaces 109L of the grooves 103. This exerts theforce F16 directly downward onto to the pressure region 101P along thebottom surface 101B of the board. Due to the recessed surface 330R notengaging the remainder of that lower surface, closer to the sidesurface, the force F16 is not distributed toward or through the slantedwall 101A. Accordingly, the board 101 does not tip in direction N due tothe force F16 creating a moment about the transition region 101T.

As the fastener continues to advance, the timing spacer body 320 isplaced under a compressive force CF between the head 390H of thefastener and the portion of the fastener pulling the head into the joist106. When this occurs, the timing spacer body generally bottoms out thefastener and in general the fastener unit 310 so the fastener will notadvance farther. As a result, timing spacer body limits the amount ofadditional force added to the predetermined force F16 to push the boards101 and 102 into further contact with the joist 106. This in turn, canprevent the groove from being damaged or otherwise deforming the board101 near the groove.

A fourth alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 17-23 and generally designated 410. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 410 can include a fastener 490 similar to the fasteners 90, 190,290 and 390 above. It also can include a grip element 430 that isdisposed in a recess 428 defined by a spacer block 420. The grip element430 optionally can extend from and beyond the forward 425 and rearward426 surfaces of the spacer block 420. The spacer block can be configuredto establish a gap G between adjacent boards, and sized with a thicknessT5. This thickness T5 can correspond to a preselected gap G (FIG. 22)that is to be established between adjacently placed first board 101 andsecond board 102, similar to the thicknesses T1-T4 above. Optionally,the thickness T5 and corresponding gap G set by the spacer block 420 canbe equal to and/or greater than the diameter DF of the fastener head490H. In this manner, the fastener head can fit between and notexcessively mar board surfaces that are placed adjacent the spacerblock.

The spacer block 420 can set the gap G by way of the front surface 425engaging adjacent first board 101 and the rearward opposing surface face426 engaging the board 102 as shown in FIG. 22. With this spacer blockbeing disposed generally between the upper and lower lobes orprojections 105L, 107L that straddle the groove 103, the spacer blockeffectively prevents those boards 101 and 102 from being placed anycloser to one another than the gap G due to the thickness T5 of thespacer block 420 there between. Optionally, the spacer block 420 canengage portions of the side surfaces 101S, 102S of the respective boardsin the regions of the lobes 105L and 107L above and below the respectivegrooves 103 and 104.

The spacer block 420, can include opposing first 422 and second 423 sidesurfaces. The spacer block 420 also can define a spacer grip elementrecess or aperture 428, within which the grip element 430 can bedisposed, generally held in by way of the fastener 490 passing throughan aperture or second fastener hole SFH4 defined by a grip element base433 between the optional first 431 and second 432 downwardly extendingprotrusions, cleats or gussets. These cleats can optionally beintegrally formed with the base 433 and dimensioned like the cleats inthe embodiments above. The cleats can be spaced a distance from oneanother and relative to the second fastener hole SFH4, and thus thefastener 490 and the fastener head 490H. In particular, the cleats canbe spaced so that when the head 490H is tightened and eventually engagesthe grip element, the first and second portions on opposite sides orends of the head or its diameter respectively can exert forces downward,directly over and on the first and second cleats 431, 432, with orwithout bending the grip element 430. These cleats can be configured toengage the grooves 103 and 104 of the respective boards with which thefastener unit 410 is used. As shown, the cleats can include flat loweredges, however these edges can be sharpened so that they are angled andcome to points. Although not shown, the cleat lower edges can beserrated and/or include teeth to better bite into the groove of theboard when the fastener unit is secured in place with the fastener 490.

As mentioned above, the grip element 430 includes a grip elementaperture or second fastener hole SFH4. This second fastener hole can bealigned with a first fastener hole FF14 defined by the spacer block 420so that the fastener can fit through both simultaneously. This secondfastener hole SFH4 can be disposed in the center of the base 433.Optionally, the second fastener hole SFH4 can be a circular hole drilledthrough the base 433. In other cases, the second fastener hole SFH4 canbe a partial recess, optionally not completely surrounding the fastener,and further optionally extending through the base and one or more of thecleats 431 or 432.

The spacer block 420 shown in FIGS. 17 and 20 include an upper portion420U and a lower portion 420L. The upper portion and lower portion candefine respective voids. For example the lower portion 420L can define alower void 420LV, and the upper portion 420U can define an upper void420UV. The lower void 420LV can extend upward from a lower surface 420LSof the spacer block 420. The upper void 420UV can extend downward fromthe upper surface 420US of the spacer block 420. The lower void 420LVcan be sized to receive at least a portion of a tip 490T1 of thefastener 490. The upper void 420UV can be sized to receive the head 490Hof the fastener 490 when the fastener is fully installed. In some cases,the void 420UV can be of a depth sufficient to receive substantially theentire head 490H such that the head is below the upper surface 420US andoptionally not visible from the side view of the fastener unit 410 inthe spacer block 420 in FIG. 23 after the fastener 490 is fullyinstalled.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 20, the spacer block can be generally of anH configuration, with a central bar or portion 420C. At least a portionof the grip element recess 428 can be defined in the central bar. Thecentral bar 420C can define the first fastener hole FF14 as well as aanother fastener hole FF15 such that fastener holes are defined aboveand below the grip element 430. The second fastener hole SFH4 of thegrip element can be aligned with these two fastener holes. In somecases, one of these fastener holes in the spacer block can beeliminated. Optionally, the second fastener hole SFH4 can be larger thanthe largest dimension or diameter DT of the threads and/or the shaft490S of fastener 490. The other spacer by hole FF15 can likewise be of adimension or diameter larger than the diameter DT of the shaft and/orthreads. With this construction, the shaft and threads can rotate freelyin these holes, without engaging a perimeter of the holes. The firstfastener hole FF14, however can be equal to or smaller than dimension DTso that the tip 490T1 and/or the shaft of the fastener 490 can engagethe material around the first fastener hole FF14 and generally join orhold the fastener 490 with or relative to the spacer block in thisregion.

As shown in FIGS. 17-20, the fastener unit 410 can include one or moreboard engagement element 440. As illustrated in this fourth embodiment,the board engagement element 440 can extend above the spacer block 420.This board engagement element 440 can be configured to engage an uppersurface 105 of a first board 101 to cooperatively clamp with the gripelement 430, the spacer unit 410 adjacent the side surface 101S of theboard 101. This board engagement element 440 can include first andsecond legs 441 and 442 that can extend downward to spacer block. Thelegs can contact, engage or be joined with and/or integral with thespacer block 420. The board engagement element 440 can also include afirst platform 443 and/or an engagement arm 444 to sometimes referred toas a resilient arm or engagement arm herein.

With reference to FIGS. 17-20, the first and second legs can be joinedto the upper portions 420U of the spacer block 420. Each of the legs caninclude an upper end 441 a and a lower end 441B. The upper end 441A canbe joined with the first platform 443 and the lower end 441B can bejoined with the spacer block upper portion 420U. The lower end 441B canbe directly joined with the respective side surface, for example, sidesurface 422. Optionally, the lower end can be joined with the frontand/or rear surfaces, or can be an extension of the spacer body itself.

Further optionally, the first leg and second leg each can be smaller indimension than the thickness T5 of the spacer block. For example, thelegs can be of a thickness T6 that is less than the thickness T5. Thelegs also can be joined with the spacer block 420 at respectivefracturable joints 441J. This fracturable joint 441J can be a joint orportion that can fracture, break, deform, become damaged or otherwisefail such that the first leg and/or second leg, all or in part or piecesthereof, become dissociated from the spacer block and/or the fastenerunit in general.

As mentioned above, this fracturable joint can be a location orcomponent or connection, between the respective leg and the portion ofthe spacer block, which includes a zone of weakness, such as a thinnedregion, a region with perforations or holes, an area with a brittlematerial, or some other weakening portion, so that an element such asthe legs and/or the board engagement element itself or other parts ofthe fastener unit can break off, fall off, fragment, become destroyed,separate from, disassociate from, become removed from, move away fromand/or reorient relative to the spacer body or some other component. Theforegoing are all interchangeably referred to as one componentdisassociating from another herein.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first and second legs can be connected at theirends to the upper portion 442U of the spacer block. The legs 441, 442can be disposed outwardly relative to the respective side surfaces 422and 423. Thus, when the platform 423 is engaged by the head 490H of thefastener 490 as described below, that fastener pushes downward on theplatform and the forces can be transmitted to the legs. Due to thefracturable joints adjacent the upper portion, the legs lower ends orsecond ends can break off from the respective side surfaces of thespacer block. As further described below, the head 490H can continue tospin until it penetrates through the third hole 443H defined by thefirst platform 443. At that time, while the fastener is advanced androtating, the head can break through the first platform, damaging and/ordeforming the first platform in the process. The board engagementelement 440 can disassociate from the remainder of the fastener unit 410as shown, for example, in FIG. 23, where a tool 499 is advancing thefastener 490 into an underlying joist 106.

Returning to FIGS. 17 and 20, the first platform 443 can be integrallyformed with the first and second legs 441 and 442. The legs can extenddownwardly from a lower surface of the platform. The upper surface ofthe platform 443U can face upwardly, away from the spacer block 420. Thefirst platform 443 can define the third fastener hole 443H, which can bealigned with the first fastener hole FF14, of the spacer block, theother optional fastener hole FF15 of the spacer block, and the secondfastener hole SFH4 defined by the grip element. The hole 443H can belarger than the largest dimension of the threads DT such that thethreads can rotate or spin freely in that hole 443H, withoutsubstantially engaging the perimeter around that hole. The hole 443H canbe dimensioned such that it is smaller in dimension than the diameter DFof the head 490H. Thus, when the head 490H is advanced toward the firstplatform 443, that head eventually collides with and/or engages theupper surface 443U of the platform around the hole 443H for a whileuntil the head pushes the platform down so the legs are broken from thespacer block or otherwise, and the board engagement element isdisassociated from the remainder of the fastener unit 410.

With reference to FIGS. 17-18, the board engagement element 440 caninclude an engagement arm 444. The arm can be integrally formed withand/or included in the first platform 443 or portions of the legs 441,442, or in some cases the spacer block itself. The arm can be width 444Wthat is less than the width 443W of the platform. The arm width 444W canbe optionally less than 75%, less than 66%, less than 50%, less than33%, or less than 25% of the width 443W of the first platform 443. Inother cases, these widths can be equal or reversed. The arm 444 can beangled downward when the board engagement element 440 is in a neutralmode, not engaged with a board. As shown in FIG. 18, the arm can angleat an angle A2 downward from the upper surface 443U of the platform 443.This angle A2 can be optionally about 0° to about 60°, inclusive, about5° to about 45°, inclusive, about 10° to about 45°, inclusive, or about15° to about 55°, inclusive, or other angles, depending on theapplication. It is noted that when the fastener unit 410 is installedrelative to a board and its groove, the arm 444 can move in direction Cshown in FIG. 18 so the angle A2 decreases to a second angle A3, whichcan be less than the first angle A2. This second angle A3 can beoptionally less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 50%,less than 25% of the first angle A2 when the arm 444 is in the neutralmode.

As also shown in FIG. 18, the arm 444 can be movable, bendable andflexible about a transition region 444T where it is joined with thefirst platform. All or a part of the arm 444 can bend, flex, deform,hinge or otherwise translate (all interchangeably referred to as “bend”herein) about or relative to this transition region 444T. In othercases, the arm 444 can bend to different degrees along its length sothat it becomes more arched or angled as it bends. As shown, the arm 444can be tapered from a first thickness T7 to a second thickness T8 awayfrom the platform 443. The second thickness T8 can be less than thefirst thickness T7. With this tapered construction the arm can bendmore.

When the arm bends, as shown in FIG. 18, the end 444E can increase indistance away from the grip element 430 and the grip upper surface 430U.In converting from the neutral mode shown in solid lines to the workingor clamped mode shown in broken lines, the arm increases in distanceaway from the grip upper surface 430U.

A method of using the fastener unit 410 of the fourth alternativeembodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 18-23. On ahigh level, the fastener unit 410 is configured such that the boardengagement element 440 and the grip element 430 are operable to clampthe portion of the board 101 between the upper surface 105 of the boardand the groove 103 in a clamped mode, in which the spacer block 420 isheld in a static position adjacent the first side surface 101S of theboard and generally held in that position while the second board 102 isplaced adjacent the first board 101. The second board is spaced a gap Gaway from the first board 101 such that the fastener 490 can be advancedto engage the grip element 430 against the board, within the grooves andsecure those boards to an underlying joist 106.

Turning to FIG. 18, the fastener unit 410 is shown initially in aneutral mode in solid lines. The fastener 490 extends above the platform443 and the spacer block 420. The arm 444 is in a neutral position atangle A2 relative to the upper surface 443U of the platform. A user canmove the fastener unit toward the board 101, generally aligning the gripelement 430U with the groove 103. The user can manually move the arm 444upward in direction C, optionally bending it, so that it achieves asecond angle A3 relative to the platform, and is placed a greaterdistance from the grip upper surface 430U. The arm 444 can spreadfarther away, or a greater distance away, from the grip upper surface430U. A user can alternatively achieve this by pressing or forciblyinserting the grip element 430 initially into the groove 103 and thensliding the cantilevered free end 444E over the curved upper portion ofthe lobe 105L to transition to the arm over the upper surface 105 of theboard 101.

The fastener unit 410 can be fully installed on the board 101 as shownin FIGS. 19 and 20. There, the board engagement element 440 engages theupper surface 105 of the board, while the grip element 430 and gripupper surface 430U engage the groove 103. In particular, the boardengagement element 440 and the grip element 430 clamp the portion of theboard above the groove 103 and below the upper surface 105 between thoseelements. The arm can be generally bent upward at the angle A3 anddisposed a farther distance away from the grip upper surface 430U thanin the neutral mode shown in FIG. 18. The fastener unit and boardengagement element in this mode are shown in a clamping mode. In thisclamping mode, the spacer block 420 is held adjacent the first sidesurface 101S of the board, optionally engaging both the upper and lowerlobes 105L and 107L, above and below the groove, with respect to theupper and lower portion of the spacer body. In this clamped mode, theboard engagement element 440 and in particular the arm 444 can engagethe upper surface 105 and exert a downward force on that surface. Thespacer block upper portion 420U can engage the upper lobe 105L andgenerally the side surface 101S of the first board 101. The grip element430 and the grip element upper surface 430U can engage the groove upperwall 109U, optionally without the grip element 430 engaging the lowerwall 109L or the rear wall 109R of that groove 103. The grip elementexerts and equal and generally opposite force toward the arm so that theportion of the board between the arm and grip element is clamped bythese opposing forces in the clamping mode.

As shown in FIG. 21, the fastener unit 410 is aligned over the joist 106underlying the first board 101, generally adjacent the groove 103, withthe grip element 430 extending into the groove 103. The arm 444 extendsfrom the first platform 443 outward, over the upper surface 105 of theboard 101. With the fastener unit 410 in this position, adjacent theside surface 101S of the first board 101, a second board 102 can bemoved in direction M6 as shown in FIG. 22, toward the fastener unit 410.The second board 12 can be moved until its second side service 102Sengages the spacer block 420 which sets the gap G with its thickness T5between the first board and the second board and their respective sidesurfaces. The other end of the grip element 430 also can enter thesecond groove 104 of the second board 102, Optionally engaging the upperwall of that groove. The grip element, can be simultaneously in thefirst groove 103 and the second groove 104 in this configuration. Thefirst platform 443 can extend at least partially over the upper surface102U of the second board 102 in some cases. The resilient arm 444continues to engage the upper surface 105 of the first board 101.Optionally, the first board engagement element 440 clamps a portion ofthe first board from its upper surface, but does not clamp the secondboard in this clamping mode.

At this point, the fastener unit 410 is installed relative to the firstand second boards. The fastener 490 is ready to be advanced downward,through the factors unit and into the underlying joist 106.

Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 22-23, a user can apply a tool 499 to thefastener 490 and begin rotation of the fastener. As the fastenerrotates, the threads 4901T rotate without engaging the hole 443H in theplatform f443 or the second fastener hole SFH4 defined by the gripelement 430 or the hole in the grip element. The threads can, however,engage the fastener hole FF14. The fastener can advance downward,between the respective side surfaces 101S and 102S. As the fasteneradvances downward, as shown in FIG. 23, the fastener eventually engagesthe board engagement element 444, in particular the upper platform 443.The head 490H engages the upper surface with a force and pushes downwardon the platform and thus downward on the legs 441 and 442. When enoughforce is exerted downward or on the platform, the platform and/or thearms can buckle or deform. The legs can snap, break or becomedissociated from the spacer block 420 at the respective fracture jointsor locations 441J. The fastener continues to advance downward, until thehead enters the above-mentioned upper void 420U of the spacer body 420.The head 490H continues to advance downward toward the joist. As itdoes, it can further fracture, break or otherwise disassociate the boardengagement element 440. As a result, the fastener unit 410 no longer hasthe board engagement element associated with it, and is no longer in aclamping mode. Therefore, it transitions out of the clamping mode to aneutral mode. The head 490H also can engage the upper surface 430U orthe grip element 430 in general, pulling it downward. As a result, thegrip element, particularly the upper surface 430U disengages or movesaway from the groove upper wall 109U of the first groove 103 and theother upper wall of the other groove 104 in the second board. The gripelement thus moves downward, being dragged along by the head 490H. Thegrip element thus transitions from engaging the groove upper wall 109Uto engaging the groove lower wall 109L as the fastener is advanced. Thefastener 490 is advanced such that the grip element 430 pulls the firstand second boards downward against the joist 106 and in particular itsupper surface 107 to secure the boards to the joist.

This process can be repeated with multiple similar fastener units 410.Further, it is noted that the board engagement element 440, whendissociated from the fastener unit, optionally can be picked up andcollected for removal from the site at which the fastener unit is used.Optionally, the board engagement element of this embodiment and any ofthe other embodiments herein, particularly the two-piece embodiments,can be brightly colored, for example of an orange, yellow, red, or bluecolor, so that it can be easily identified by a user and retrieved fromthe worksite. In some cases the spacer body can be a different colorfrom the board engagement element 440. For example the spacer body 420can be black, brown or a dark color, while the board engagement element440 can be of a lighter or florescent color for easy identification andlocation.

Further optionally, the board engagement element of this embodiment andany of the other embodiments herein, particularly the two-pieceembodiments, can be constructed all or in part from a biodegradablematerial so that when the board engagement element is disassociated fromthe fastener unit or other components, and falls to rest in theenvironment around the fastener unit, it will biodegrade over time. Forexample, the board engagement element, the fastener unit and/or partsthereof can be constructed from biodegradable material, such as fibers,cellulose, wood, starch, amylose, UV unstable polymers, and the like.When subjected to moisture, water, heat, UV rays or the like, thecomponent or pieces can break down and disintegrate or turn from solidto liquid or a gel or simply disintegrate into smaller pieces. In somecases, the board engagement element alone can be constructed from thebiodegradable material, while the remainder of the spacer body can beconstructed from a polymer. The two elements can be glued, fastened,welded or otherwise connected to another via the legs or some otherconnection. In other cases, the board engagement element and the spacerbody can be constructed from a common material which is biodegradable.Over time, the spacer body can also degrade after the gap is set and thegrip element 430 holds the boards relative to one another and the joist.

A fifth alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 24-30 and generally designated 510. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 510 can include a fastener 590 similar to the fasteners 90, 190,290, 390 and 490 above. It also can include a grip element 530 that isdisposed in a recess defined by a spacer block 520 similar to theembodiments above. The grip element 530 optionally can extend from andbeyond the forward 525 and rearward 526 surfaces of the spacer block520. The spacer block can be sized with a thickness T6, which cancorrespond to a preselected gap G5 (FIG. 29) that is to be establishedbetween adjacently placed first board 101 and second board 102, similarto the thicknesses T1-T5 above. Like the fourth embodiment above, thisfastener unit can be configured to engage the groove and the top surfaceof one or more boards in a clamping mode to secure the fastener unitadjacent a side surface of the board. The fastener unit 510 as shown canbe a two piece unit, with the board engagement element separable andindependently constructed from the spacer body.

The spacer block 520 and its features can be substantially identical tothat of the fourth embodiment spacer block 420 above with severalexceptions. For example, the spacer block 520 can define a first legtrack 522L adjacent the first side surface 522 of the spacer block and asecond leg track 523L adjacent the second side surface 523 of the spacerblock. Each of these leg tracks can be generally C or U shaped and canbe concave or defined inwardly, relative to the outermost portions ofthe respective side surfaces of the spacer block 520. These leg trackscan extend from the upper portion 520U downward, and some cases into thelower portion 520L of the spacer block 520. Although not shown, each ofthese leg tracks include a stop, to restrict the relative verticalmovement of the respective first leg 541 and second leg 542, which canbe slidably disposed in each of the respective leg tracks 522L and 523L.

The leg tracks, shown in FIG. 26, optionally can include bottoms 522Band 523B. These bottoms can transition to the respective sidewalls ofeach of the leg tracks. These bottoms 522B and 523B can be angled at anangle A4 relative to a longitudinal axis LA of the fastener unit 510 andthe fastener 590 when installed relative to the fastener unit.Optionally, the bottoms of the leg tracks and the leg tracks themselvescan be offset and not parallel to the longitudinal axis. In someapplications, the angle A4 can be offset from the longitudinal axis LA,optionally at least 2°, at least 5°, at least 10°, at least 15°, between0° and 15° inclusive, between 1° and 15° inclusive, between 1° and 10°inclusive or between 1° and 5° inclusive.

The board engagement element 540 can be substantially identical to theboard engagement element 440 described above, or other board engagementelements of other embodiments herein. The board engagement element 540can include a platform 543 and first and second downwardly extendinglegs 541, 542. Each of these legs can include a respective track portion542L and 543L which can be closer to the fastener 590 than an exterioror outer portion of each of the respective legs. The track portions 542Land 543L can be configured to slidably engage the respective tracks 522Land 523L of the spacer block 520.

In particular, the track portions 542L and 543L can slidably andfrictionally engage the tracks 523L and 522L respectively. Each of thetrack portions and/or legs can also extend substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis LA. Therefore, when the platform 543 is pushed closertoward the grip element 530 and/or the spacer block 520, the tracks andtheir respective bottoms urge the legs 541 and 542 outward, away fromthe longitudinal axis LA slightly. This in turn creates a pinchingeffect between the legs so that the legs 541, 542 pinch, compress orotherwise bias against the spacer block 520. In turn, the legsfrictionally engage the tracks and the spacer body to set a particulardistance between an arm 544 of the board engagement element 540 relativeto a grip element 530. Optionally, although not shown, the legs can beangled relative to the longitudinal axis inward, while the leg trackscan be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In otherapplications, the legs tracks can be specially angled relative to oneanother to provide friction and forces to hold the legs a fixed positionrelative to the spacer block to set a distance between the boardengagement element 540 and the grip element 530. Further optionally, thelegs and the leg tracks can be coated with friction enhancing materialsor constructed from such materials to enhance the friction between thetwo, to facilitate relative positioning and spacing of the components.Even further optionally, the legs and/or tracks can include respectiveteeth and associated recesses such that the legs can be adjusted andlocked in the tracks at predetermined set intervals.

In the fifth embodiment, the board engagement element 540 and itscomponents can engage the spacer block 520 to set a distance between theboard engagement element 540 and the grip element 530. In turn, this canset the fastener unit 510. The fastener unit 510 as shown can be a twopiece unit, with the board engagement element separable andindependently constructed from the spacer body, in a clamped mode or anexpanded mode. For example, the engagement of the legs 541 and the track522L shown in FIG. 25 can set a preselected distance between the arm544, and in particular its lowermost portion 544N, and the grip uppersurface 530U of the grip element 530. By adjusting the legs, and slidingthem within the respective tracks, the distance D2 can be altered toanother distance, for example D21, which can be a lesser distance, whenthe fastener unit 510 is in a clamping mode shown in FIG. 28 relative toan extended mode shown in FIG. 25. In general, the first and second legsare movable relative to the first and second leg tracks respectively toadjust the preselected distance between the grip element and the boardengagement element. The threads of the fastener 590 optionally canengage or interfere with a hole 543H around a board engagement element540 to maintain the legs in position and set the preselected distance aswell. The user thus can operate the fastener unit in the clamped mode orthe extended mode, depending on the relative set up of the fastener unitand/or the installation state of the fastener unit 510 relative to oneor more boards 101, 102.

As mentioned above, the board engagement element 540 can besubstantially identical to that of the embodiments above, such as thefourth embodiment immediately above with several exceptions. Forexample, the board engagement element 540 can include a board engagementplatform 543 from which an arm 544 extends, generally outward over aportion of the upper surface 530U of the grip element 530. The boardengagement element 540, however, optionally can be separatelyconstructed from the spacer body 520 and movable relative thereto. Thearm 544 can include an outwardly extending portion 544D that transitionsback upward at a transition region 544T toward an end 544E of the arm544. The arm 544 can extend outward from the platform first at adownward angle and then back upward at an upward angle. The undersurfaceof the arm 544 can include engagement portion 544N, which can beconfigured to directly engage the upper surface 105 of the board 101.The arm 544 also can extend the entire width of the platform 543 shownfor example in FIG. 27. Of course, the arm 544 can be of a width that isless than the entire width of the platform 543.

Optionally, the platform can define a fastener hole 543H, which can belarger in dimension than the diameter of the threads DT and the shaft ingeneral. Thus, the board engagement element 540 can be readily andeasily moved toward the grip element 530 to clamp the board betweenthose elements, without the threads or shaft interfering with thatmotion by engaging the platform around the hole 543H. Furtheroptionally, in other applications, the hole 543H can be constructed tobe equal to or smaller in dimension than the diameter of the threads DTor the shaft in general. Thus, the board engagement element and/or theperimeter of the platform around the fastener can directly engage thatfastener, its threads and the shaft. This engagement of interferencebetween these components can be used to set a preselected distancebetween the arm 544 and the grip upper surface 530U so the unit fits aparticular board or portion of a board between its upper surface and thegroove. For example, the distance D21G from the upper surface to theupper wall 109U of the groove may be known for a particular board. Thefastener unit 510 can be built or set so that the platform 543 engagesthe fastener 590 at the hole 543H and another hole defined by the spacerblock 520 with an interference fit such that the board engagementelement and spacer block are fixed spatially to maintain the distanceD21 between the engagement part 544N and the grip upper surface 530U,which is equal to or slightly smaller than the distance D21G. Thus, whenin use, a user can simply slide the unit onto the board, with theportion of the board between the upper surface and the groove fittingwell into the gap between the engagement part 544N and the grip uppersurface.

A method of using the fastener unit 510 of the fifth alternativeembodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 25-30.Generally, the fastener unit 510 is configured such that the boardengagement element 540 and the grip element 530 are operable to clampthe portion of the board 101 between the upper surface 105 of the boardand the groove 103 in a clamped mode, in which the spacer block 520 isheld in a static position adjacent the first side surface 101S of theboard and generally held in that position while the second board 102 isplaced adjacent the first board 101. The second board can be spaced agap G5 away from the first board 101 such that the fastener 590 can beadvanced to engage the grip element 530 against the board, within thegrooves and secure those boards to an underlying joist 106.

Turning to FIG. 25, the fastener unit 510 is shown initially in anexpanded mode. A user can move the fastener unit 510 adjacent the sidesurface 101S of the board 101, with the arm 544 projecting over theupper surface 105 of the board, and the grip element 530 extendinginwardly into the groove 103 of the board. The upper surface 530U of thegrip element can be placed adjacent the upper wall 109U of the groove.The arm 544 can be a distance D20 away from the grip element. Inparticular the engagement portion 544N of the arm 544 can be disposed adistance D20 away from the grip upper surface 530U. The spacer block 520can be placed immediately adjacent the side surface 101S of the board101. The legs 541 and 542 can be in an initial position relative to therespective leg tracks 522L and 523L. They can frictionally engage theleg tracks to hold the arm 544 and board engagement element in thisfixed relationship relative to the grip element and the spacer body ingeneral.

With the fastener unit 510 installed relative to the board 101, a user,as shown in FIG. 28 can apply a force F20 to move the board engagementelement 540 toward the grip element 530. In turn, the arm 544 movesdownward toward the board upper surface 105 until it engages thatsurface. The first leg 541 and the second leg 542 move downward in therespective leg tracks 522L and 523L. The legs frictionally engage theseleg tracks and the spacer body in general as they move downward. Asmentioned above, the tracks can be angled outward, away from thelongitudinal axis, so that the legs are urged or bend outward, whileholding the platform and remainder of the board engagement element in afixed position relative to the spacer body when the force F20 is nolonger applied. Optionally, where the hole 543H is smaller than thefastener and threads DT, the distance D21 between the arm portion 544Nand the grip upper surface 530U can be preset before the fastener unitis applied to the board. In this case, the force F20 need not be appliedto the unit, and the legs will not move relative to the spacer body. Theunit can simply be pushed onto the board, captured between the arm andthe grip element.

The force F20 continues to be applied until the engagement arm portion544N engages the upper surface 105, while the grip upper surface 530Uengages the upper wall 109U. The distance between the arm and the gripupper surface is set at a preselected distance D21. When set at thispreselected distance, and with the board engagement element 540 engagingthe groove with the grip element 530, the fastener unit 510 is placed ina clamping mode from the previous expanded mode. In this clamping mode,the board engagement element and grip element respectively clamp theboard as described in the embodiments above to hold the spacer body 520adjacent the side surface 101S of the board, and the fastener above thejoist 106.

A second board 102 can be placed adjacent the first board 101, with thespacer block 520 setting the gap G5 via its thickness T6 located betweenthe respective side surfaces of the first board 101 and second board102, similar to the embodiments above. The board engagement element 540and grip element 530 continue to engage the board located there between.Optionally, the board engagement element 540 and its arm 544 do notextend over the upper surface of the second board 102 placed adjacentthe first board 101.

With the fastener unit 510 installed between the adjacent first andsecond boards 101 and 102, and the gap G5 set between those boards, thefastener 590 can be advanced downward into the joist 106. Similar to theembodiment above, the fastener head 590H engages the board engagementelement 540 as the fastener 590 is advanced. The head 590H collides withor otherwise engages the platform 543 and/or the board engagementelement 540A in general. The head 590H can be pulled through thatcomponent and can destroy deform or otherwise break a port portion ofthat component. As it does, the board engagement element 540 and itsrespective components, such as the legs 541, 542 and the arm 544 becomedissociated from the spacer body 520 as shown in FIG. 30. Although shownthere in a single complete piece, the board engagement element can breakinto multiple pieces and can become dissociated from the spacer body520. Like the embodiment above, the grip element 530 also is pulleddownward, away from the upper wall 109U to engage the lower wall 109L ofthe grooves to thereby clamp down the boards to the underlying joist106. This process can be repeated for multiple fastener units, which canbe preinstalled relative to the first and second boards before theadvancing of the fastener begins.

A sixth alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 31-36 and generally designated 610. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 610 can include a fastener 690 similar to the fasteners 90, 190,290, 390, 490 and 590 above. It also can include a grip element 630 thatis disposed in a recess 628 defined by a spacer block 620. The gripelement 630 optionally can extend from and beyond the forward 625 andrearward 626 surfaces of the spacer block 620 similar to the embodimentsabove. The spacer block can be sized with a thickness T7, which cancorrespond to a preselected gap G6 (FIG. 35) that is to be establishedbetween adjacently placed first board 101 and second board 102, similarto the thicknesses T1-T6 above. Like the fourth and fifth embodimentsabove, this fastener unit can be configured to engage the groove and thetop surface of one or more boards in a clamping mode to secure thefastener unit adjacent a side surface of the board.

The spacer body 620 can include leg tracks 622L and 623L, as well as thefirst 641 and second 642 legs and a grip element 630, which can besubstantially identical to those in the embodiments above and thereforewill not be described again in detail here. The board engagement element640, however, can be slightly different from the board engagementelement 640 of the embodiment above. For example, the board engagementelement 640 can include a platform 643. The platform can include firstand second arms 644A and 644B. These arms can project forwardly andrearwardly relative to the legs 641 and 642, generally outward and overthe grip upper surface 630U of the grip element 630. The arms 644A and644B can be an extension of the first platform 643. They also can extendfarther away from the spacer block forward and rearward surfaces thanthe grip element extends away from those forward and rearward surfacesof the spacer block 620. The platform 643 also can define a platformhole 643H. The platform hole can be larger than the diameter of thethreads DT of the fastener 690 so that the fastener 690 can rotatewithin the fastener hole 643H without engaging the perimeter of thathole defined by the platform as the fastener rotates.

The fastener unit 610 can be installed and used relative to first andsecond boards similar to the fourth and fifth embodiments describedabove. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32-34, the fastener unit 610 canbe placed adjacent a first board 101 such that the grip element 630 isinserted into the groove 103. A first arm 644A can extend over the uppersurface 105 of the board 101. A second arm 644B can extend outward, awayfrom the first board, similar to the grip element 630 extending in thatdirection away from the spacer block 620.

As shown in FIG. 35, a user can push down with force F21 to move theboard engagement element 640 downward, toward the grip element 630. Therespective legs 641 and 642 thus move downward lay in the tracks legtracks 622L and 623L respectively. The legs frictionally engage thosetracks during this movement and after they come to rest. The portions ofthe boards between the upper surfaces of the boards and the grooves ofthe boards can be clamped between the board engagement element 640 andthe grip element 630. The gap G6 can be set by the thickness T7 of thespacer block 620, which engages the respective side surfaces of thefirst and second boards.

The fastener 690 can be advanced into the underlying joist as shown inFIG. 36. In doing so, the fastener head 690H can engage the grip element630 thereby clamping the first and second boards 101 and 102 to theunderlying joist 106. During the process, similar to the fourth andfifth embodiments above, the board engagement element 640 can becomedissociated from the spacer body and the remainder of the fastener unit610 in general, and can come to rest in the environment around theboards and/or on the respective boards. The process can be repeated formultiple additional fastener units to secure the boards to theunderlying joist.

A seventh alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 37-42 and generally designated 710. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 710 can include a fastener 790 similar to the fasteners 90, 190,290, 390, 490, 590 and 690 above. It also can include a grip element 730that is disposed in a recess 728 defined by a spacer block 720. The gripelement 730 optionally can extend from and beyond the forward 725 andrearward 726 surfaces of the spacer block 720. The spacer block can besized with a thickness T8, which can correspond to a preselected gap G7(FIG. 41) that is to be established between adjacently placed firstboard 101 and second board 102, similar to the thicknesses T1-T7 above.Like the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments above, this fastener unitcan be configured to engage the groove and the top surface of one ormore boards in a clamping mode to secure the fastener unit adjacent aside surface of the board.

The board engagement element 740 of this embodiment however, can movedifferently. The board engagement element 740 can include a platform 743within an outer perimeter 744. The first platform 743 can be constructedin the form of a wheel, gear or rounded plate. Of course, other shapesfor the platform, such as polygonal or rounded shapes can be selected.The plate can be a separate and independent component from the spacerblock 720 and the grip element 730. The board engagement element 740also can include a barrel 745 that extends from the plate 743. Thebarrel 745 can include internal threads 745T as shown in FIG. 41. Theseinternal threads 745T can engage the threads 790T defined along theshaft of the fastener 790. Thus, the board engagement element 740 can berotated in direction R6 (or another direction, depending on threaddirection) such that the platform 743 moves in direction Q, generallytoward the grip element 730.

A method of using the seventh alternative embodiment of the fastenerunit 710 is similar to the methods of using the other embodiments above.For example, the fastener unit 710 can be placed adjacent a side surface101S of a board, with the spacer block 720 engaging that side surface101S as shown in FIGS. 38-40. The grip element 730 can be placed in thegroove 103 of the board 101. The board engagement element 740 can bedisposed above the upper surface 105 of the board 101 and the fastenerunit 710 can be placed above and aligned with the joist 106. A user canrotate the board engagement element 740 about the threads 790T of thefastener 790. As a result, the board engagement element moves downwardin direction Q toward the upper surface 105 of the board 101. A secondboard 102 can be moved adjacent the first board 101, with the gap G8Vbetween the side surfaces of those boards being set by a thickness T7 ofthe spacer body 720. The plate 743 can project over the upper surface ofboth of the adjacent boards as shown in FIG. 41. The grip element 730can extend into the respective grooves of each of the boards.

After the fastener unit is installed and the boards are adjacent oneanother with a gap properly set, the fastener 790 can be advanced intothe underlying joist as shown in FIG. 42, where, in so doing, the boardengagement element 740 becomes disassociated from the fastener and cancome to rest and the environment surrounding the fastener unit. Theprocess can be repeated for additional fastener units to secure theboards to one another and underlying joists.

An eighth alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 43-49 and generally designated 810. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 810 can include a fastener 890 similar to the fasteners 90, 190,290, 390, 490, 590, 690 and 790 above. It also can include a gripelement 830 that is disposed in a recess 828 defined by a spacer block820, similar to the embodiments above. The grip element 830 optionallycan extend from and beyond the forward 825 and rearward 826 surfaces ofthe spacer block 820. The spacer block can be sized with a thickness T9,which can correspond to a preselected gap G8 (FIG. 47) that is to beestablished between adjacently placed first board 101 and second board102, similar to the thicknesses T1-T8 above. The board engagementelement 840 can include a plate 844 joined with the spacer block 820 viaspring legs, such as first 841 and second 842 spring legs extendingdownward from a first platform 843, below the grip element 830. Theplate 844 can be configured to engage a lower surface 101L of the firstboard 101, while the grip element 830 engages the groove 103, to securethe spacer block 820 adjacent the first side surface 101S of the firstboard 101.

As shown in FIG. 43, the spacer body 820 is configured to support thegrip element 830. The board engagement element 840 can include the plate844, which is attached to a platform 843 via the first and second legs841 and 842. The platform 843 can extend upward, above the grip element830. The platform 843 can define a fastener hole 843H which is sizedslightly larger than the diameter of the threads DT, such that thefastener 890 can rotate freely relative to the platform 843, as well asthe grip element 830, below it which can include a fastener hole such asthose described in connection with the other grip elements above. Theplatform 843 and legs can be the same width as the thickness T9 of theremainder of the spacer body 820, and can assist in some cases insetting the gap G8 between adjacent boards.

The first 841 and second 842 legs can project outward from the sides ofthe platform 843 and generally outward from the side surfaces 822 and823 of the spacer block 820. The legs optionally can be in the form ofspring legs, such that they compress and expand, based on forces exertedon the legs by pressing the plate 844 upward toward the grip element830. The legs can be identical so only the first leg 841 will bedescribed here. The first leg can include a first portion 841A and asecond portion 841B, which are joined at a transition 841T. The secondportion 841B can be joined at its lowermost portion with the plate 844.All these components optionally can be integral, along with the spacerblock 820 and constructed from polymeric or other materials as describedabove. The first portion 841A and second portion 841B can be disposed atan angle A5 when the board engagement element 840 and the fastener unit810 in general are in a neutral mode shown in FIG. 43. This angle A5optionally can be between 0° and 90°, inclusive, between 0° and 60°,inclusive, between 30° and 90°, inclusive, between 30° and 60°,inclusive, between 25° and 45° inclusive, or about 45°. Of course, whenthe board engagement element 840 and the fastener unit 810 in generalare converted from the neutral mode shown in FIG. 43 to the expandedmode shown in FIG. 45, the angle A5 can change to angle A6, which can begreater than the above angle A5.

The first and second leg portions 841A and 841B can flex toward and awayfrom one another about the transition region 841T such that the platform843, grip element 830 and spacer block 820 can move toward and away fromthe first plate 844, and vice versa, upon the application of a force asdescribed below. Each of the legs 841 and 842 can be constructed so asto form spring or biasing leg. The biasing legs can urge the fastenerunit and its components back to a neutral mode after the spacer blockand grip element are pulled away from the plate 844 of the boardengagement element 840. With the biasing legs 841 and 842, the fastenerunit 810 can function to clamp a board between the grip element 830 andthe plate 844, with the grip element in the groove 103 and the plate 844engaging a lower surface of a board as described below.

As shown in FIGS. 43-45, the plate 844 can include an upper surface 844Udisposed opposite a lower surface 844L. The upper surface 844U and lowersurface 844L can both be substantially planar, and can be configured toengage respective portions of the first board 101 and the joist 106. Inparticular, the upper surface 844U can be configured to engage the lowersurface 101L of the first board 101 as well as a similar lower surfaceof the second board 102. The lower surface 844L can be configured toengage the upper surface 107 of the joist 106 underlying the board. Theplate can include a plate width PW shown in FIG. 46, which extends fromone side to the other. Where the plate 844 is of a circular shape shownagain in FIG. 46, that plate width PW can correspond to a diameter ofthe plate. The plate width PW optionally can be the same width as thejoist width JW. Thus, the plate 844 can underlie the respective boardsfastened to the joist across the width JW of the joist to provide a morestable interface between the boards and the joist. Of course, in othercases, the plate width PW can be greater than or less than the joistwidth JW. Optionally, the transition portion 841T of the leg 841 canmove relative to an outer perimeter 844P of the plate 844 when the boardengagement element 840 is converted from a neutral mode (FIG. 43) to anexpanded mode (FIG. 44) to a clamping mode (FIG. 47), or generally fromone mode to the other. For example, that transition portion 841T canmove toward or away from the perimeter 844P from the view shown in FIG.46, such as when the plate 844 is pulled away from or moved toward thegrip element 830.

A method of using the fastener unit 810 of the eighth alternativeembodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 44-49. As shownin FIG. 44, a user can apply a force F5A to the grip element and/or aforce F5B to the fastener 890, while applying an opposing force F6 tothe board engagement element 840 or plate 844. This converts thefastener unit and board engagement element from a neutral mode to anexpanded mode such that the distance D24 between the grip element 830and the plate 844 is increased in transitioning from the neutral mode tothe expanded mode. In the expanded mode, the legs 841 and 842 areconverted such that the angle A5 between them in the neutral mode isincreased to an angle A6 as shown in FIG. 45. The first and second legportions 841A and 841B naturally tend to resist this conversion and theincrease in the angle between those leg portions in the expanded modewhile the opposing forces F6 and F5A or F5B are applied to the fastenerunit.

While the fastener unit is in the expanded mode shown in FIGS. 44-45,the user can move the plate and fastener unit in direction M7 so thatthe plate 844 and its first portion 844A are inserted under the lowersurface 101L of the board 101, and above the upper surface 107 of thejoist 106. Board 101 also can be lifted with a force F7 such that it isdistanced above the upper surface 107 of the joist 106 during theplacement of the plate 844 between the lower surface 101L and the uppersurface 107. Simultaneously, the grip element 830 can be inserted in thegroove 103. The lower surface 830L of the grip element 830 can be abovethe groove lower wall 109L during the insertion of the grip element 830in the groove 103. The fastener unit 810 can be installed until thespacer body 820 engages the side surface 101S of the board 101.Optionally, only the lower portion of the spacer body 820 engages thatside surface 101S.

After a user has installed a fastener relative to the first board 101,the user can move a second board 102 in direction M8 toward the fastenerunit 810, so that the grip element 830 is inserted into the groove 104and the board 102 slides on the upper surface 844U of the plate 844until it engages the spacer block 820. With the fastener unit 810installed relative to the first board 101 and/or second board 102 asshown in FIGS. 47-48, the user can cease supplying the forces F5A and/orFSB. As a result, the legs 841 and 842, with stored energy therein, willbias the grip element 830 downward toward the plate 844 via a force F8.As this occurs, the lower surface 830L of the grip element 830transitions downward to engage the lower wall 109L of the groove 103.Likewise, where the grip element 830 is installed in the groove 104 ofthe second board 102, the lower surface 830L of the grip element 830engages the lower wall of that groove.

Accordingly, the fastener unit 810 is converted from the expanded modeshown for example in FIG. 44, to the clamping mode, shown for example inFIGS. 47-48. In the clamping mode, the board engagement element andplate effectively clamp there between the portion of the board betweenthe lower wall 109L of the groove and the lower surface 101L of theboard. Equal and opposite forces can be exerted as a result of thatforce F8 in the legs, through the grip element and the plate.Accordingly, the fastener unit 810 is held in place between the firstand second boards 101, 102, with the gap G8 between those boards set bythe thickness T9 of the spacer body, which is held against therespective side surfaces of those boards. The distance D23 between thegrip element 830 and the lower wall 109L of the groove 103 also isreduced to zero, as the grip lower surface 830L engages the bottom wall109L of the groove. Of course, where the groove is not perfectly formed,there can be slight gaps or point contact between the grip element andthat lower wall 109L.

With the fastener unit 810 installed in the clamping mode, a user canadvance the fastener 890 so that it moves through the fastener hole 843Hin the plate and optionally spins freely therein as it is advanced intothe underlying joist 106. The fastener head 890H engages the spacerblock 820 and the grip element 830, and the head pulls the grip elementdownward with a force F9 so that the grip element 830 clamps down theboards 101 and 102, pulling them, via the interfacing of the gripelement in grooves thereof, downward. The plate 844 is thus furthertrapped between the lower surfaces of the boards and the upper surfaceof the joist. In some cases, the legs 841 and 842 can be compressedrelative to the neutral mode shown in FIG. 43. With the fastener 890fully installed, the first and second boards are clamped down to thejoist 106. The above method and steps can be repeated for additionalfastener units to further secure the boards to underlying joists.

A ninth alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 50-55 and generally designated 910. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 910 can include a fastener 990 similar to the fasteners 90, 190,290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 790 and 890 above. It also can include a gripelement 930 that is disposed in a recess 928 defined by a spacer block920, similar to the embodiments described above. The grip element 930optionally can extend from and beyond the forward 925 and rearward 926surfaces of the spacer block 920. The spacer block can be configured toestablish a gap between adjacent boards, and sized with a thickness T10,which can correspond to a preselected gap G8 (FIG. 55) that is to beestablished between adjacently placed first board 101 and second board102, similar to the thicknesses T1-T9 above.

The board engagement element 940 can include first 941 and second 942legs extending downward from the spacer block 920, below the gripelement 930. The first and second legs can include feet 941F and 942Fthat can be configured to engage a lower surface 101L of the first board101, while the grip element 930 engages the groove 103, to secure thespacer block 920 adjacent the first side surface 101S of the first board101.

As shown in FIG. 50, the spacer block 920 can be configured to supportthe grip element 930. The spacer body and grip element can be identicalto the others described in the other embodiment herein. The boardengagement element 940 can include first 941 and second 942 legs. Theselegs can extend outward from the spacer body 920, optionally from thefirst and second sides, or some other surface of the spacer block onopposite sides of the grip element. The legs can be substantiallyidentical so only one will be described here. For example, the leg 942can include a first leg portion 942A that transitions at a transition942T to a foot 942F. The foot extends forwardly from the leg portion942A for a preselected distance D25. This distance D25 can be greaterthan the distance D26 by which the grip element 830 extends from thesurface 925 of the spacer block 920. The upper surface 942FU of the foot942F can be substantially planar. The upper surface 942FU of the footcan be spaced a distance D27 below the lower surface 930L of the gripelement 930. This distance D27 optionally can be greater than a distanceD28 (FIG. 51) between a lower wall 109L of a groove 103 and the lowersurface 101L of a board 101. The foot 940 2F can be cantilevered awayfrom the transition portion 942T of the leg 942.

A method of using the fastener unit 910 of the ninth alternativeembodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 51-55. As shownin FIG. 51, a user can move the fastener unit 910 in direction M9 towardthe side surface 101S of the first board 101. The spacer block 920 canengage the side surface 101S of the board. The grip element 930 caninsert in the groove 103. The foot 942F can slide along the lowersurface 101L of the board 101, with the upper surface 942FU exerting aforce F10 against that lower surface 101L of the board. Simultaneously,the grip element 931 can exert a force F11 to the lower wall 109L of thegroove 103. These opposing forces F10 and F11 can effectively clamp theportion of the board between the groove 103 and the lower surface 101Lof the board there between, thereby securing the fastener unit 910adjacent the side surface 101S of the board. As shown in FIG. 52, thefeet 941F and 942F can be spaced a distance D29 and D30 away from thesides of joist 106 such that the legs 941 and 942, and their respectivecomponents, and other portions of the board engagement element 940, donot engage the joist 106 directly. Optionally, these legs and theircomponents and the board engagement element do not engage the joist, butonly the lower surface 101L of the board and optionally only the sidesurface 101S of the board 101.

With the fastener unit 910 in place adjacent the board, the user canmove a second board 102 in direction M10 toward the first board 101until the side surface of that board 102 engages the spacer block 920.The spacer block 920 sets the gap G9 between the first board 101 and thesecond board with its thickness T10. The grip element 930 is insertedinto the groove 104 of the second board 102 during movement M10. Withthe second board placed adjacent the first board 101, the fastener 990can be advanced, as shown in FIG. 55, into the underlying joist 106. Asa result, the grip element 930 pulls downward with forces on therespective adjacent boards 101, 102 to thereby clamp those boards to theunderlying joist 106. The above steps and method can be repeated withmultiple fastener units 910 to install the boards relative to one ormore joists.

The following additional statements are provided, the numbering of whichis not to be construed as designating levels of importance.

Statement 1: A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to asupport, the fastener unit comprising: a spacer block defining a firstfastener hole having an upper portion having a first diameter and alower portion, a threaded fastener disposed within the spacer block inthe first fastener hole, the threaded fastener extending within theupper portion and the lower portion; a first joist leg and a secondjoist leg extending downward from the spacer block and configured tostraddle and clamp a joist; and a grip element joined with the spacerblock, the grip element defining a second fastener hole aligned with thefirst fastener hole, the grip element including a lower surfaceconfigured to engage a groove of a board.

Statement 2: The fastener unit of Statement 1, wherein the grip elementincludes a pressure foot separated a distance from the spacer block by adistance, wherein the distance is configured to inset the pressure footinward from a side surface of the board, beyond a slanted wall disposedunder the groove, whereby a predetermined force can be distributedthrough the pressure foot to a bottom surface of the board withouttipping the board.

Statement 3: The fastener unit of Statement 1 or 2, wherein a firststabilizer bar extends from the first joist leg a predetermineddistance, wherein a second stabilizer bar extends from the second joistleg the predetermined distance, wherein the first and second stabilizerbars are disposed at a common level, below the spacer block.

Statement 3: The fastener unit of any one of the preceding Statements,wherein each of the first and second joist legs each include outwardlyextending portions that extend away from the spacer block, wherein thefirst and second stabilizer bars are joined with the respectiveoutwardly extending portions.

Statement 4: The fastener unit of any one of the preceding statements,wherein the first stabilizer bar extends from a rear surface of thefirst joist leg, wherein the first stabilizer bar is generally parallelto the grip element extending from the rear surface of the spacer block,wherein the first stabilizer bar extends a distance that is equal to thedistance by which the grip element extends away from the rear surface ofthe spacer block.

Statement 5: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the spacer block extends downward below the grip element apreselected distance such that when a predetermined force is appliedthrough the at least one pressure foot of the grip element, a lowersurface of the spacer block is configured to engage an upper surface ofa joist disposed below the spacer block.

Statement 6: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the grip element includes a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end projects forward of a front surface of the spacer block,wherein the second end projects rearward of a rear surface of the spacerblock, wherein the grip element is a C-shaped channel, wherein theC-shaped channel includes first and second cleats at the first end,wherein the first and second cleats form downwardly extending first andsecond pressure feet at the first end, wherein the first and secondpressure feet form a lower surface of the grip element, wherein the gripelement includes a recessed surface that is disposed above the lowersurface between the first and second pressure feet and the spacer block.

Statement 7: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the first joist leg and the second joist leg each include alower engagement portion disposed below and an outwardly extendingportion, wherein the first stabilizer bar is joined with the first joistleg between the respective lower engagement portion and the outwardlyextending portion, wherein the second stabilizer bar is joined with thesecond leg between the respective lower engagement portion and theoutwardly extending portion.

Statement 8: A method of using a fastener unit comprising: providing afastener unit including a fastener, a spacer block defining a firstfastener hole therethrough, a longitudinal axis, a grip element joinedwith the spacer block and projecting outward from the spacer block, withthe fastener projecting through at least a portion of the grip element,a first resilient joist leg extending laterally from the spacer block,and a second resilient leg extending laterally from the spacer block,placing the fastener unit over a joist so that the first and secondresilient legs move away from one another and downward relative to afirst and a second sidewall of the joist; inserting the grip elementinto a first groove of a first board; and advancing the fastener throughthe first fastener hole of the spacer block and through the at least aportion of the grip element, wherein a head of the fastener forces thegrip element into engagement with the first groove, thereby moving thefirst board toward the joist.

Statement 9: The fastener unit of Statement 8, wherein the spacer blockincludes a lower surface, wherein the lower surface engages an uppersurface of the joist during the advancing.

Statement 10: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the board includes a side surface below the groove, wherein theside surface transitions to a slanted wall that extends toward a planein which a rear wall of the groove is disposed, wherein the boardincludes a bottom surface having a pressure region, wherein the gripelement includes at least one pressure foot at an outward end of thegrip element, distal from the spacer block, wherein the at least onepressure foot exerts a downward force that is transferred to thepressure region to push the pressure region against an upper surface ofthe joist, but so as not to tilt the board by pushing downward directlytoward the slanted wall.

Statement 11: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the spacer block is a timing spacer block that engages an uppersurface of the joist during the advancing step, wherein the spacer blockis compressed between the grip element and the joist, wherein the spacerblock is of a predetermined thickness to thereby limit the amount offorce exerted by the grip element against the groove.

Statement 12: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the first joist leg includes a rear surface including a firststabilizer bar disposed below the spacer block, wherein the second joistleg includes a rear surface including a second stabilizer bar disposedbelow the spacer block, wherein the first and second stabilizer bars areeach placed below a bottom surface of the board before the advancingstep to stabilize the fastener unit relative to the board.

Statement 13: A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to asupport, the fastener unit comprising: a spacer block definingconfigured to at least partially receive a fastener, the spacer blockhaving a thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between a firstboard and a second adjacent board, the spacer block defining a recess; agrip element disposed in the recess and projecting beyond the thicknessof the spacer block, the grip element configured to at least partiallyreceive the fastener, the grip element configured to engage a firstgroove defined by the first board, the grip element having at least onedownwardly facing projection, the grip element having a grip uppersurface; and a board engagement element configured to engage a portionof the first board, distal from the first groove, to secure the spacerblock adjacent a first side surface of the first board before a fasteneris advanced relative to the spacer block and the grip element.

Statement 14: The fastener unit of Statement 13 wherein the boardengagement element includes a first platform and a downwardly extendingresilient arm, wherein the first platform defines a third fastener holealigned with a first fastener hole of the spacer block and a secondfastener hole of the grip element, wherein a fastener extends throughthe first second and third fastener holes.

Statement 15: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the first platform includes a front surface and a rear surface,wherein the resilient arm extends downwardly in a cantilevered mannerfrom the front surface, wherein the grip element extends from a frontsurface of the spacer block and a rear surface of the spacer block.

Statement 16: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the board engagement element includes a first leg and a secondleg extending vertically downward from the first platform distal fromthe resilient arm, wherein a fastener extends through a portion of thefirst platform, the grip element and the spacer block, wherein the firstleg and second leg are each closer to a respective first side surfaceand second side surface of the spacer block.

Statement 17: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the grip element includes a grip element upper surface, whereinthe resilient arm includes a lower edge, wherein the grip element uppersurface is spaced from the lower edge by a distance that is less than athickness of the first board between an upper surface of the firstgroove and an upper surface of the board.

Statement 18: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the spacer block includes a lower portion defining a void,wherein a fastener extends through the board engagement element and thegrip element, wherein the fastener includes a tip that is disposed inthe void.

Statement 19: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein at least one of the first leg and the second leg is configuredto break off from the spacer block when a head of a fastener is advancedagainst the first platform.

Statement 20: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the board engagement element is configured to become dissociatedfrom, snap, break or otherwise separate from the spacer block and fallaway from the fastener when the fastener is advanced through the gripelement.

Statement 21: The fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the dissociated board engagement element is constructed from abiodegradable material so that it biodegrades in the environment.

Statement 22: A method of using the fastener unit of any of thepreceding Statements, comprising bending the resilient arm away from thegrip element upper surface and pushing the spacer block toward a firstside surface of the first board so that a portion of the board betweenan upper surface or a lower surface, and the first groove is trappedbetween the resilient arm and the grip element.

Statement 23: A method of using the fastener unit of any of thepreceding Statements, comprising rotating the fastener which is a screwso that a head of the screw engages the board engagement element andpushes the board engagement element toward the grip element until theboard engagement element fails and at least partially dissociates fromthe spacer block, moving away from the grip element in one or morepieces.

Statement 24: A method of using the fastener unit of any of thepreceding Statements comprising sliding a first leg and a second leg ofthe board engagement element downward, adjacent the spacer block suchthat the first and second leg each frictionally engage the spacer blockand fix a distance between an arm of the board engagement element andthe upper surface of the grip element, wherein a portion of the boardbetween the groove and upper surface or lower surface of the board isclamped between the upper surface of the grip element and the arm in aclamped mode.

Statement 25: A method of using the fastener unit of any of thepreceding Statements comprising rotating the board engagement elementabout threads of a fastener disposed through the first fastener hole andthe second fastener hole to move the board engagement element toward thegrip element, thereby clamping a portion of the board there between in aclamped mode.

Statement 26: A fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the board engagement element includes a barrel and a firstplatform, wherein the barrel is configured to threadably engage threadsof the fastener in advance toward the upper surface of the grip elementwhen the platform is rotated about the fastener.

Statement 27: A fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the board engagement element includes a plate configured toextend adjacent a lower surface of the first board, wherein the plate isjoined with a first platform disposed above the grip element and joinedwith the spacer block via a first leg and a second leg.

Statement 28: A fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the first leg and the second leg each include first and secondleg portions joined at a transition region, wherein the first and secondleg portions can flex toward and away from one another about thetransition region such that the platform can move toward and away fromthe first plate.

Statement 29: A fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the first leg portion is angled relative to the second legportion at the transition region at an angle between 15° and 90°.

Statement 30: A fastener unit of any of the preceding Statements,wherein the spacer block defines a first fastener hole, the grip elementdefines a second fastener hole and the first platform defines a thirdfastener hole, wherein the first fastener hole is smaller than a shaftof a fastener such that the perimeter of the first fastener hole engagesand holds the shaft of the first fastener, wherein the second and thirdfastener holes are larger than the shaft of the fastener such that thefastener can rotate freely through or in the second fastener hole andthird fastener hole.

Statement 31: A method of using a fastener unit comprising: providing afastener unit including a fastener, a spacer block defining a firstfastener hole therethrough, a grip element joined with the spacer blockand projecting outward from the spacer block, with the fastenerprojecting through at least a portion of the grip element, and a boardengagement element spaced distal from the spacer block, the fastenerunit operable in a clamping mode; engaging the board engagement elementagainst at least one of an upper surface of a first board and a lowersurface of the first board, the upper surface and the lower surface eachbeing distal from a first groove of the first board; and engaging thefastener unit in the clamping mode so that the board engagement elementengages the at least one of the upper surface of a first board and thelower surface of the first board while the grip element engages thefirst groove, wherein in the clamping mode, a portion of the boardbetween first groove and at least one of the upper surface and the lowersurface is clamped between the board engagement element and the gripelement, thereby holding the spacer block adjacent a first side surfaceof the first board adjacent the first groove.

Statement 32: The method of Statement 31 comprising: pushing the aresilient arm of the board engagement element over the upper surface ofthe first board, wherein the resilient arm bends away from the gripelement as the portion of the board enters a space between the gripelement and the resilient arm.

Statement 33. A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to asupport, the fastener unit comprising: a spacer block defining a firstfastener hole configured to receive a fastener therein, the spacer blockincluding a front surface, an opposing rear surface, a first sidesurface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, thespacer block having a thickness extending from the front surface to therear surface, the thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between afirst board and a second adjacent board, the spacer block defining arecess from the front surface to the rear surface; a grip element joinedwith the spacer block, the grip element disposed in the recess, the gripelement defining a second fastener hole aligned with the first fastenerhole of the spacer block, the grip element configured to fit in andengage a first groove defined by the first board, the grip elementhaving at least one downwardly facing projection, the grip elementhaving a grip upper surface; and a board engagement element configuredto engage a portion of the first board, distal from the first groove, tosecure the spacer block adjacent a first side surface of the firstboard.

Statement 34: The fastener unit of Statement 33, wherein the boardengagement element is operable in a clamping mode in which the boardengagement element engages an upper surface of the first board, distalfrom the groove, while the grip upper surface engages a groove upperwall so as to secure the fastener unit adjacent the first side surfaceof the board.

Statement 34: The fastener unit of Statement 33, wherein the boardengagement element is operable in a clamping mode in which the boardengagement element engages a lower surface of the first board, distalfrom the groove, while the downwardly facing projection engages a groovelower wall so as to secure the fastener unit adjacent the first sidesurface of the board.

Statement 35: The fastener unit of Statement 33, wherein the boardengagement element is joined with the spacer block such that the boardengagement element can be selectively disassociated from the spacerblock.

Statement 36: The fastener unit of Statement 33, wherein the secondfastener hole is larger than the first fastener hole, wherein a fasteneris disposed through the first fastener hole and the second fastenerhole, wherein the fastener is configured to engage a first perimeter ofthe first fastener hole as the fastener rotates, wherein the fastener isconfigured to freely rotate in the second fastener hole without engaginga second perimeter of the second fastener hole.

Statement 37: The fastener unit of Statement 33, wherein the boardengagement element is joined with the spacer block via a first legextending downward from a first platform, the first platform spaced afirst distance above the spacer block, the first platform at leastpartially surrounding a fastener that extends through the secondfastener hole of the grip element.

Statement 38: The fastener unit of any preceding Statement, wherein thefirst leg extends below the grip element, wherein the first leg isjoined with the board engagement element, wherein the board engagementelement is a plate disposed below the spacer block, wherein the plate isconfigured to engage the portion of the board, which is a lower surfaceof the board, while the grip element engages the groove, to secure thespacer block adjacent the first side surface of the first board.

Statement 39: The fastener unit of Statement 38, wherein the first legincludes a first end joined with the first platform, and a second endjoined with the plate, wherein the first leg is configured to bias thegrip element toward the plate when the plate is pulled away from thefirst platform, wherein the board engagement element is operable in theclamped mode.

Statement 40: The fastener unit of Statement 33, wherein the boardengagement element includes a first platform, wherein a first leg and asecond leg extend downwardly from the first platform, wherein the firstleg and the second leg each extend adjacent the spacer block and areeach configured to hold the first platform at a preselected distancefrom the grip element.

Statement 41: The fastener unit of any preceding Statement, wherein thespacer block defines a first leg track adjacent the first side surfaceof the spacer block and a second leg track adjacent the second sidesurface of the spacer block, wherein the first leg frictionally engagesthe first leg track to hold the first platform at the preselecteddistance from the grip element, wherein the second leg frictionallyengages the second leg track to hold the first platform at thepreselected distance from the grip element, wherein the first and secondlegs are movable relative to the first and second track respectively toadjust the preselected distance, and thereby operate the boardengagement element in a clamping mode in which the portion of the firstboard is clamped between the first platform and the grip element.

Statement 42: The fastener unit of any preceding Statement, wherein thefirst leg and the second leg are each joined with an upper portion ofthe spacer block at a fracturable joint, wherein the board engagementelement includes a resilient arm projecting away from the first platformand downward, wherein the portion of the first board is an upper surfaceof the board, wherein the resilient arm is configured to engage theupper surface and exert a clamping force on the board in cooperationwith the grip element.

Statement 43: The fastener unit of Statement 33, comprising: a fastenerextending through the first fastener hole and the second fastener hole,the fastener including a plurality of threads on a shaft, wherein theboard engagement element includes a first platform and is rotatablythreaded on the plurality of threads, wherein the board engagementelement is operable in a clamping mode in which the first platform isrotatable about the shaft toward the grip element to thereby clamp theportion of the first board between the first platform and the gripelement.

Statement 44: The fastener unit of Statement 33, comprising: a secondboard engagement element, distal from the board engagement element; anda fastener extending through the first fastener hole and the secondfastener hole, wherein the board engagement element includes a first legthat extends downward from the spacer block to a first leg end, whereina first foot extends from the first leg end and generally parallel tothe grip element, wherein the portion of the first board is a lowersurface of the board distal from the groove, wherein the first foot isconfigured to engage the lower surface of the board while the gripelement engages the groove so the first foot and grip elementcooperation to urge the spacer block and the fastener toward the firstside surface of the first board, thereby securing the spacer blockadjacent the first side surface of the first board.

Statement 45: A method of using a fastener unit comprising: providing afastener unit including a fastener, a spacer block defining a firstfastener hole therethrough, a grip element joined with the spacer blockand projecting outward from the spacer block, with the fastenerprojecting through at least a portion of the grip element, and a boardengagement element spaced distal from the spacer block, the fastenerunit operable in a clamping mode; engaging the board engagement elementagainst at least one of an upper surface of a first board and a lowersurface of the first board, the upper surface and the lower surface eachbeing distal from a first groove of the first board; and engaging thefastener unit in the clamping mode so that the board engagement elementengages the at least one of the upper surface of a first board and thelower surface of the first board while the grip element engages thefirst groove, wherein in the clamping mode, a portion of the boardbetween first groove and at least one of the upper surface and the lowersurface is clamped between the board engagement element and the gripelement, thereby holding the spacer block adjacent a first side surfaceof the first board adjacent the first groove.

Statement 46: The method of Statement 45 comprising: pushing the aresilient arm of the board engagement element over the upper surface ofthe first board, wherein the resilient arm bends away from the gripelement as the portion of the board enters a space between the gripelement and the resilient arm.

Statement 47: The method of Statement 45 comprising: pulling the boardengagement element away from the grip element so the board engagementelement achieves an expanded mode, inserting the grip element into thefirst groove while the first board element is in the expanded mode;converting the board engagement element to the clamping mode so that theportion of the board between first groove and the lower surface isclamped between the board engagement element and the grip element,thereby holding the spacer block adjacent the first side surface of thefirst board adjacent the first groove.

Statement 48: The method of Statement 45 comprising: advancing thefastener until a head of the fastener engages the grip element to pullthe grip element into engagement with the first groove, wherein duringthe advancing, the board engagement element disassociates from thespacer block in at least one piece that comes to rest in an environmentadjacent the first board, distal from the spacer block.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are usedto assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of theembodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional termsshould not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specificorientations.

In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being“joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “secured to,” or“coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joinedwith, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the othercomponent, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, partsor layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to asbeing “directly joined with,” “directly on,” “directly engaged with,”“directly adhered to,” “directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to”another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layerspresent. Other words used to describe the relationship betweencomponents, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner,such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thespirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles ofpatent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure ispresented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as anexhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limitthe scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated ordescribed in connection with these embodiments. For example, and withoutlimitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may bereplaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similarfunctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes,for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those thatmight be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternativeelements that may be developed in the future, such as those that oneskilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features thatare described in concert and that might cooperatively provide acollection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to onlythose embodiments that include all of these features or that provide allof the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly setforth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in thesingular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” isnot to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Anyreference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant toinclude any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Yand Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A fastener unit adaptedto secure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising:a spacer block defining a first fastener hole configured to receive afastener therein, the spacer block including a front surface, anopposing rear surface, a first side surface and a second side surfaceopposite the first side surface, the spacer block having a thicknessextending from the front surface to the rear surface, the thicknesscorresponding to a preselected gap between a first board and a secondadjacent board, the spacer block defining a recess from the frontsurface to the rear surface; a grip element joined with the spacerblock, the grip element disposed in the recess, the grip elementdefining a second fastener hole aligned with the first fastener hole ofthe spacer block, the grip element configured to fit in and engage afirst groove defined by the first board, the grip element having atleast one downwardly facing projection, the grip element having a gripupper surface; and a board engagement element configured to engage aportion of the first board, distal from the first groove, to secure thespacer block adjacent a first side surface of the first board.
 2. Thefastener unit of claim 1, wherein the board engagement element isoperable in a clamping mode in which the board engagement elementengages an upper surface of the first board, distal from the groove,while the grip upper surface engages a groove upper wall so as to securethe fastener unit adjacent the first side surface of the board.
 3. Thefastener unit of claim 1, wherein the board engagement element isoperable in a clamping mode in which the board engagement elementengages a lower surface of the first board, distal from the groove,while the downwardly facing projection engages a groove lower wall so asto secure the fastener unit adjacent the first side surface of theboard.
 4. The fastener unit of claim 1, wherein the board engagementelement is joined with the spacer block such that the board engagementelement can be disassociated from the spacer block when a fastener headof a fastener engages the board engagement element.
 5. The fastener unitof claim 1, wherein the second fastener hole is larger than the firstfastener hole, wherein a fastener is disposed through the first fastenerhole and the second fastener hole, wherein the fastener is configured toengage a first perimeter of the first fastener hole as the fastenerrotates, wherein the fastener is configured to freely rotate in thesecond fastener hole without engaging a second perimeter of the secondfastener hole.
 6. The fastener unit of claim 1, wherein the boardengagement element is joined with the spacer block via a first legextending downward from a first platform, the first platform spaced afirst distance above the spacer block, the first platform at leastpartially surrounding a fastener that extends through the secondfastener hole of the grip element.
 7. The fastener unit of claim 6,wherein the first leg extends below the grip element, wherein the firstleg is joined with the board engagement element, wherein the boardengagement element includes a plate disposed below the spacer block,wherein the plate is configured to engage the portion of the board,which is a lower surface of the board, while the grip element engagesthe groove, to secure the spacer block adjacent the first side surfaceof the first board.
 8. The fastener unit of claim 7, wherein the firstleg includes a first end joined with the first platform, and a secondend joined with the plate, wherein the first leg is configured to biasthe grip element toward the plate when the plate is pulled away from thefirst platform, wherein the board engagement element is operable in theclamped mode to secure the spacer block adjacent the first board.
 9. Thefastener unit of claim 1, wherein the board engagement element includesa first platform, wherein a first leg and a second leg extend downwardlyfrom the first platform, wherein the first leg and the second leg eachextend adjacent the spacer block and are each configured to hold thefirst platform at a preselected distance from the grip element.
 10. Thefastener unit of claim 9, wherein the spacer block defines a first legtrack adjacent the first side surface of the spacer block and a secondleg track adjacent the second side surface of the spacer block, whereinthe first leg frictionally engages the first leg track to hold the firstplatform at the preselected distance from the grip element, wherein thesecond leg frictionally engages the second leg track to hold the firstplatform at the preselected distance from the grip element, wherein thefirst and second legs are movable relative to the first and second trackrespectively to adjust the preselected distance, and thereby operate theboard engagement element in a clamping mode in which the portion of thefirst board is clamped between the first platform and the grip element.11. The fastener unit of claim 9, wherein the first leg and the secondleg are each joined with an upper portion of the spacer block at afracturable joint, wherein the board engagement element includes aresilient arm projecting away from the first platform and downward,wherein the portion of the first board is an upper surface of the board,wherein the resilient arm is configured to engage the upper surface andexert a clamping force on the board in cooperation with the gripelement.
 12. The fastener unit of claim 1 comprising: a fastenerextending through the first fastener hole and the second fastener hole,the fastener including a plurality of threads on a shaft, wherein theboard engagement element includes a first platform and is rotatablythreaded on the plurality of threads, wherein the board engagementelement is operable in a clamping mode in which the first platform isrotatable about the shaft toward the grip element to thereby clamp theportion of the first board between the first platform and the gripelement.
 13. The fastener unit of claim 1 comprising: a fastenerextending through the first fastener hole and the second fastener hole,wherein the board engagement element includes a first leg that extendsdownward from the spacer block to a first leg end, wherein a first footextends from the first leg end and generally parallel to the gripelement, wherein the portion of the first board is a lower surface ofthe board distal from the groove, wherein the first foot is configuredto engage the lower surface of the board while the grip element engagesthe groove so the first foot and grip element cooperate to urge thespacer block and the fastener toward the first side surface of the firstboard, thereby securing the spacer block adjacent the first side surfaceof the first board.
 14. A fastener unit adapted to secure at least oneboard to a support, the fastener unit comprising: a spacer blockconfigured to at least partially receive a fastener, the spacer blockhaving a thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between a firstboard and a second adjacent board, the spacer block defining a recess; agrip element disposed in the recess and projecting beyond the thicknessof the spacer block, the grip element configured to at least partiallyreceive the fastener, the grip element configured to engage a firstgroove defined by the first board, the grip element having at least onedownwardly facing projection, the grip element having a grip uppersurface; and a board engagement element configured to engage a portionof the first board, distal from the first groove, to secure the spacerblock adjacent a first side surface of the first board before a fasteneris advanced relative to the spacer block and the grip element.
 15. Thefastener unit of claim 14, wherein the board engagement element includesa first platform, wherein a resilient arm projects away from the firstplatform, wherein the portion of the first board is an upper surface ofthe board, wherein the resilient arm is configured to engage the gripupper surface, wherein the resilient arm and grip upper surface areconfigured to clamp the board between the upper surface of the board andthe first groove in a clamped mode in which the spacer block is held ina static position adjacent the first side surface of the first board.16. The fastener unit of claim 14, wherein the board engagement elementincludes a first leg that projects downward from the first platform tothe spacer block with which the first platform is joined, wherein thespacer block defines a first fastener hole, wherein the grip elementdefines a second fastener hole, wherein a fastener extends through thefirst fastener hole and the second fastener hole, the fastener extendingadjacent the first leg.
 17. The fastener unit of claim 16, wherein thefirst leg is joined with the spacer block at a fracturable joint suchthat the first platform and resilient arm disassociate from the spacerblock in a separation mode when the fastener is advanced through thesecond fastener hole.
 18. A method of using a fastener unit comprising:providing a fastener unit including a fastener, a spacer block defininga first fastener hole therethrough, a grip element joined with thespacer block and projecting outward from the spacer block, with thefastener projecting through at least a portion of the grip element, anda board engagement element spaced distal from the spacer block, thefastener unit operable in a clamping mode; and engaging the fastenerunit in the clamping mode so that the board engagement element engagesat least one of an upper surface of a first board and a lower surface ofthe first board, the upper surface and the lower surface each beingdistal from a first groove of the first board, while the grip elementengages the first groove, wherein in the clamping mode, a portion of theboard between first groove and at least one of the upper surface and thelower surface is clamped between the board engagement element and thegrip element, thereby holding the spacer block adjacent a first sidesurface of the first board adjacent the first groove.
 19. The method ofclaim 18 comprising: pulling the board engagement element away from thegrip element so the board engagement element achieves an expanded mode,inserting the grip element into the first groove while the first boardelement is in the expanded mode; converting the board engagement elementto the clamping mode so that the portion of the board between the firstgroove and at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface isclamped between the board engagement element and the grip element,thereby holding the spacer block adjacent the first side surface of thefirst board adjacent the first groove.
 20. The method of claim 18comprising: advancing the fastener until a head of the fastener engagesthe grip element to pull the grip element against a wall of the firstgroove, wherein during the advancing, the board engagement elementdisassociates from the spacer block in at least one piece that comes torest in an environment adjacent the first board, distal from the spacerblock.